There are currently two types of Meningitis vaccines available on the market, called Menomune and Menactra. Both treat people 2 to 55 years of age.
Both offer protection against four groups of the bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis, which can cause meningitis.
About 2,600 people acquire meningitis annually, and about 10 percent die from the disease. Another 15 percent experience a brain injury or limb amputation because of meningitis.
Meningitis occurs when the patient comes in contact with the bacteria that cause the disease. It causes dangerous swelling around the spinal cord and brain, and it can result in death or permanent injury like brain injury or limb amputation.
What are some important things I should know about the Meningitis Vaccine?
While Menactra and Menomune are designed to prevent meningitis, they have been linked to a rare neurological disorder called Guillain Barre Syndrome. The syndrome, which is an auto-immune disease (one in which the body attacks itself) causes weakness in the arms and legs and can require hospitalization. It is treatable, and patients often recover fully. The most serious cases result in paralysis or death.
Menactra was originally approved by the FDA for people between 11 and 55 years of age, but was recently approved for children between 2 and 10 years of age as well. Menomune was approved for people between 2 and 55 years of age in the 1970s.
Children between 2 and 10 years of age who are most likely to acquire meningitis include:
- those who have suffered injury to their spleens or had their spleens removed
- they have a medical condition that makes it difficult to fight infection
- they are expected to travel outside of the U.S. where the disease is common
The disease is also most prevalent in people 15 to 24 years of age, and the vaccination is often recommended for college students, especially those who live in dormitories, as well as for:
- people traveling to parts of Africa where the disease is prevalent
- U.S. military recruits
- anyone with an immune deficiency disorder
- anyone without a spleen
- latex sensitive people
- people with a bleeding disorder
- anyone who has previously had Guillain Barre Syndrome
- anyone who has allergies to the vaccination ingredients
- anyone who is ill during the time of vaccination
- pregnant and nursing women should talk to their doctors; Menactra’s effect on pregnant women has not been studied as much as Menomune’s has
Menactra and Menomune have been linked to Guillain Barre syndrome (see above), as well as:
- life threatening allergic reactions
- fever
If you experience an allergic reaction from Menactra or Menomune, which is characterized by wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you experience any other changes, such as fever, pain, muscle soreness, weakness, decreased mobility, and inflammation.
A red spot at the site of the Menactra or Menomune injection can occur. This is typical and should not prompt you to call your doctor.