Meningococcal Vaccine Guidelines has been Updated

News Health Articles - Meningococcal Vaccine Guidelines has been Updated. Guidelines for meningococcal vaccine has been updated by the American Association of Pediatrics. The recommendations are suggested for the booster dose given 3 years later. It aims to enhance immunity against meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults.

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis. Meningitis is a painful swelling of the outer layer of the brain and spinal cord.



Common symptoms of meningitis, among others:
1. High fever
2. Stiff neck
3. Headache
4. Nausea
5. Throw up
6. The pain of seeing a bright light
7. Confusion
8. Fatigue

Guidelines for the vaccine is updated and issued by the AAP infectious disease committee. This policy to be consistent with the guidelines are updated and issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The guidelines have also been published in the December 2011 issue of Pediatrics, as reported from CNNHealth, Tuesday (29/11/2011).

Quadravalent cojugate meningococcal vaccines, is the trade name of Menveo and Menactra. The vaccine was produced by two different companies.

The vaccine can protect adolescents and young adults against four different strains of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which is seriogroups A, C, W-135, and Y.

Teens and young adults in the age group 14-22 years had a higher risk for contracting the disease than the general population. The vaccine is recommended for all children ages 11 and 12 years.

These guidelines were updated to add a booster dose 3-5 years after the initial vaccine. While initially expected quadravalent vaccine to protect over 10 years.

More recent data indicated that about half of teens who have been vaccinated are not protected after 5 years. So the updated vaccination recommendations.

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are spread in the respiratory tract and secreted in the throat through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or are in close contact with people around the infected.

According to the CDC, vaccination is currently also is one of the best methods to prevent the disease. Of course, vaccination would be better if done in conjunction with practicing healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and avoid contact with sick people.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent complications that include, among others:
1. Nervous system problems
2. Hearing loss
3. Mental retardation
4. Stroke
5. Convulsions
6. Loss of limb
7. Even death