Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening disease. If not treated early, it can lead to brain swelling, which may lead to a permanent disability, coma and even death. Meningitis infection is caused by a number of agents. Other than bacterial or viral infection, other causative agents include fungi, side-effects of certain medicines, and environmental toxins such as heavy metals can also lead to meningitis. Viral meningitis, also called aseptic meningitis, is less pathogenic and can be easily treated under the guidance of a physician. Bacterial and fungal infections need long-term hospitalization. In the U.S., every year about 3,000-5000 people are infected with the serious form of meningitis, that is bacterial meningitis. Even under proper medical care, it is fatal. In order to prevent an infection causing this potentially fatal disease, one is often asked to take a vaccine. This makes one wonder about the possible meningitis vaccine side effects. This Buzzle article attempts to help clear airs about the possible side effects, if any, associated with the meningitis vaccine.

Common Side Effects of Meningitis Vaccination
There are some common side effects of the vaccines given for meningitis. The most frequently observed side effect is pain, redness and swelling at the site of injection. This redness and swelling may last for 1 to 3 days. Apart from this, one may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping as well as unusual fatigue. Some people may also complain of loss of appetite, headache, fever and drowsiness. If one faints, then they should contact their doctor immediately. Also, tingling and numbness of body extremities, seizures allergic reaction like rash, itching, swelling, breathing problems, etc. need immediate medical attention.

Types of Meningitis Vaccination
Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4), and Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) are the two types of bacterial meningitis vaccines available in the U.S. for the prevention of this serious infection.

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (MPSV4): MPSV4 provides a protection against 4 common types of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine exposes a small dose of bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine won't be effective against an active infection in the body. It is used to vaccinate infants below 3 months of age and adults. Meningococcal vaccine should not be taken with pertussis (whooping cough) or typhoid vaccine.

Possible Side-effects of MPSV4 Vaccine
Some of the side effects of MPSV4 vaccine are as follows:

• Severe weakness or slight pain in arms and legs. This may be observed 2 to 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine.
• High fever
• Low-grade fever with chills
• Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump near the area, where the vaccine was injected.
• Headache
• Fatigue

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4): MCV4 vaccine follows the same principal as the MCV4 vaccine in providing immunity to the body. This vaccine should not be given to infants below 2 years of age and adults above 55 years old. Persons in the age bracket of 19-21 years are required to take meningitis shot, if they are joining a college or university setting, especially those who plan to live in dormitories.

Possible Side-effects of MCV4 Vaccine
A few side effects are similar to those of Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. They include:

• Severe weakness or slight pain in arms and legs, high fever
• Low fever, chills
• The spot where the vaccine was injected may show redness, pain, swelling, or a lump.
• Headache, fatigue and weakness
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting, loss of appetite.
• Mild skin rash

Both the vaccines sometimes have a deadly allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing, wheezing, hives, pale complexion, dizziness, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat and rapid or irregular heartbeat. If such symptoms are observed, inform the doctor immediately.

People Who Should Take Meningitis Vaccine
Certain people have been identified by experts, who should take meningitis vaccines. These people who are at a higher risk of meningitis include:

• Adults over the age of 60 years.
• Children under the age group of 5 years.
• Alcoholism also increases the chances of falling prey to meningitis.
• Dairy farmers and ranchers, working with domestic animals, can come in contact with Listeria, a type of bacteria and can be infected with meningitis.
• People undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer are at a higher risk.
• People with sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, IV drug users can also be prone to meningitis.
• AIDS, immunosuppressant drugs can make the person susceptible to an infection.
• People suffering from autoimmune system disorder that makes them vulnerable to infections.
• Spleen plays an important role in maintaining the immunity of the body. If the spleen has been surgically removed, it may increase the chances of meningitis infection.
• Travelers to certain countries like sub-Saharan Africa or Mecca for annual Hajj.
• Any person who has been exposed to an outbreak of meningitis.

People Who Should NOT Take Meningitis Vaccine
Just at some people should take meningitis vaccine, there are certain people who should avoid it. This is because, there are high chances that may develop meningitis vaccine side effects. These people include:

• Anyone who has ever had a really severe allergic reaction to any drug or a previous meningococcal vaccine dose should avoid it completely.
• People who are allergic to certain components of a vaccine should speak to their health care provider and find out if meningitis vaccine is safe for them.
• Any person who is moderately or severely sick during the time when their shot is scheduled. They probably should wait to until they recover before taking the vaccine.
• People or children with Guillain-Barré Syndrome need to exert caution when taking the drug. Speak to the health care provider before taking the shot for MCV4.
• Pregnant women should speak to their doctor if the vaccine is safe for them. This is because the MCV4 vaccine is kind of new and its effect on pregnant women are yet not clear.

Mild side effects seen after vaccination for meningitis include redness and/or pain in the region where the shot was given. These mild symptoms last for about 1 to 2 days and are more common with MCV4 than MPSV4. Serious side effects include a full-fledged allergic reaction within a few minutes of taking the shot. However, this reaction is very, very rare. Like every vaccine, there are a few meningitis vaccine side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low. It is advisable to consult a doctor for medical advice to clear all doubts about the vaccination and its possible side-effects.