Preventive Measures for Meningitis B Infection
There are certain measures you can take to prevent meningitis B. Such as:
- Frequent hand washing
- Avoid smoking
- Do not share utensils that touches the mouth
Meningitis B Vaccine
The best way to avoid contracting N. meningitidis is by getting vaccinated. Your doctor might recommend the two types of vaccine for your child. They include:
MenACWY (MCV4) vaccine
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against bacterial subgroups A, C, W, and Y. The vaccine is mostly recommended for children who are 11 or 12. They may also take a booster shot when they are 16 years old.
For a child who has a medical condition that increases risk, they should receive the booster every 5 years. All children require the booster if a meningitis outbreak occurs after 5 years from the last shots.
This vaccine may also have some side effects, such as mild fever, pain, and redness in the injection site.
MenB vaccine
MenB vaccine is recommended for people within the age of 16 and 23, to help protect against bacterial serogroup B. Although, anyone above the age of 10 can have the vaccine. The vaccine is typically given in two doses to teens aged 16 to18.
Having certain medical conditions like sickle cell disease or living in an area with meningitis outbreak increases your risk. If you are in any of these conditions, it is best to take the vaccine. This situation will require booster shots every 2 or 3 years.
Side effects of menB vaccine include fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, muscle aches and chills.