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, 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 require 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 found to be fatal.

Risk Factors
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 infection.
• 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.

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

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (MPSV4): MPSV4 provides a protection against 4 common types of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine exposes a small dose of the 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

• 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.

Possible Side-effects of MCV4 Vaccine

A few side effects are similar to those of Meningococcal polysaccaride 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.

Like every vaccine, meningitis vaccines can cause 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 regarding the vaccination and its possible side-effects.