The Meningitis Vaccine
You can protect yourself from meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia, by getting the MenACWY vaccine, often known as the meningococcal vaccine. Usually, one injection of the vaccine is given into the upper arm. If you intend to go outside the country, it is essential to know how to remain safe from disease-causing microorganisms. Keep reading to learn more about the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Llanedeyrn.
What causes septicaemia and meningitis?
Meningococcal bacteria are responsible for the growth of both septicaemia and meningitis. The five meningococcal bacteria types that can cause these illnesses are A, B, C, W, and Y.
About 25% of young people have meningococcal bacteria in their throats. Nevertheless, they often do not cause any issues for them. The MenACWY vaccination programme is targeted at young individuals who are of comparable ages because the pathogen has a higher likelihood of spreading among them.
How do the meningococcal bacteria spread?
Meningococcal disease is brought on by thirteen different varieties of meningococcal bacteria. The most frequent causes of meningitis in the UK are MenB, MenC, MenW, and MenY. Thankfully, vaccination can help you prevent them.
One in ten people has meningococcal bacteria in their throat and back of the nose, despite the fact that they don't show any signs of illness or symptoms. Older teenagers are more prone to carry and spread it. The infections can be transmitted through kissing, sneezing, or coughing by an infected person.
The meningococcal bacteria can cause sepsis and other serious infections. Although meningococcal infections can happen at any age, they tend to occur more frequently in newborns, young children, and teenagers.
What are the dangers of meningococcal disease?
In addition to meningitis, meningococcal disease can also result in septicaemia (blood poisoning). Septicaemia or meningitis can result in sepsis, a potentially deadly infection reaction. It's a condition that demands emergency medical care.
Some of these conditions can have tragic consequences, such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage.
Initially, only those with a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, like those who had their spleen removed or had a non-functioning spleen, were obliged to receive the MenACWY vaccine. Additionally, it was advised for Hajj pilgrims and tourists visiting regions of Latin America and Africa where meningococcal illness is prevalent.
Why get the meningitis ACWY vaccine?
Meningococcal disease is a travel-related sickness that is vaccine-preventable; the risk is higher in places where the disease is more common or during outbreaks.
The estimated incidence of meningococcal infection is 0.04 cases per 100,000 visitors per month of stay. However, the risk might range from 200 to 640 instances per 100,000 individuals per month in high-risk groups, such as visitors to Mecca during an epidemic.
Case fatality rates of up to 4.9% have been recorded in the UK. The disease's seriousness is misunderstood, and vaccination rates are still very low.
Who is not allowed to get the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Llanedeyrn?
The MenACWY vaccination should not be administered to anyone who is allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Consult your pharmacist before getting the vaccine if you:
- Have a bleeding disorder, like haemophilia, or are easily bruised
- Have a fever
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
How long does the Meningitis ACWY vaccine last?
The MenACWY vaccine offers protection for at least five years. Intermittent boosters are not necessary, aside from getting it for certificate-related reasons. A meningitis ACWY certificate is necessary for entry into some countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Effectiveness of the Meningitis ACWY vaccination
In regards to the four various meningococcal bacterial strains, MenACWY is both secure and efficient. The vaccination only offers resistance against the four different meningococcal bacteria. It works by provoking the immune system to create antibodies against the bacteria's sugar coatings, without making the vaccinated person ill.
What are the side effects of the ACWY vaccine?
Like all vaccines, the MenACWY vaccine can cause adverse effects, though these are often mild and pass quickly.
The most frequent adverse effects in teenagers and young adults include high fever (over 38°C), headache, nausea, and weariness or lethargy. They also include redness, hardness, and itching at the injection site. These effects should usually disappear after 24 hours.
Every now and then, a tiny, insignificant lump may develop, but it typically disappears within a few weeks.
Get in touch with us today for more information and find out how to get the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Llanedeyrn. You can do this by filling in the form at the link below.
This blog post was written on behalf of Hopwoods Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.