How to Choose a Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination: When Does Your Child Need it?
Meningococcal infections can be very serious causing meningitis which is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain called the meninges and the spinal cord. It can cause sepsis which is blood poisoning and may lead to brain damage, limb amputations and in some cases, death. If you are looking for the meningitis vaccination then Touchwood Pharmacy offers the meningitis vaccination in Streatham and the meningitis vaccination in Camberley.
Which meningococcal vaccine is recommended in infants?
The MenB vaccine is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, sixteen weeks and one year as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.
The MenB vaccine will protect a baby against infection from the B group of meningococcal bacteria. There are twelve known groups of meningococcal bacteria and group B is responsible for over 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Meningitis and sepsis caused by group B bacteria can affect people of any age but is most common in babies and children. This meningitis vaccine is given as one single injection into the baby’s thigh.
Does the meningitis vaccine cause a fever?
Babies are usually given the MenB vaccine alongside other routine vaccinations at eight and sixteen weeks. They are likely to develop a high temperature within 24 hours of vaccination, this is quite normal. Fever can be managed with liquid paracetamol. Other common side effects include irritability and soreness or redness at the site of the injection.
How to spot meningitis?
Some symptoms of meningitis are similar to other childhood illnesses but there are key differences which can alert parents. Here are the most common symptoms of meningitis:
· Vomiting
· Confusion
· Cold hands and feet
· A high temperature
· Rapid breathing
· Joint and muscle pain
· Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
· Spots or a rash
· Headache
· Stiff neck
· A dislike or sensitivity to bright lights
· Fits or seizures
The key test with any rash is to press a glass over it, if the rash disappears then it is unlikely to be meningitis but if it remains then you should seek urgent medical advice.
Where to get the meningitis vaccine?
Touchwood Pharmacy offers the meningitis vaccination in Streatham and also the meningitis vaccination in Camberley. If you suspect your child may have contracted meningitis then you should seek urgent medical advice without delay. Our website explains more about how to spot the telltale signs of meningitis and www.touchwoodpharmacy.com
