In simple words, meningitis refers to the infection of the membranes and the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. If not treated on time, this disease can prove to be quite fatal. There are several bacteria and virus that are responsible for causing meningitis.
While all of these microorganisms cannot be prevented, there are some that can be avoided successfully with the help of vaccines for meningitis.
Since numerous bacteria and virus can cause meningitis, there are numerous vaccines that are used to fight the problem. This is because it is not possible to develop a vaccine that fights all causative organisms that are responsible for the problem. Amidst various vaccines that are used to avoid meningitis, some are given during the immunization schedule during childhood itself. Some of the vaccines that are used to fight meningitis include Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, Meningococcal (Menactra) and Pneumococcal (Prevnar).
Neisseria meningitides is a bacteria that is responsible for causing meningitis. A vaccine called as meningococcal vaccine is used to fight this bacterium and prevent the problem. Make note that the same bacteria is also responsible for causing meningococcemia, which is a fatal infection of the blood. This vaccine is available under the trade name of Menactra. Typically, this vaccine is administered to children at an age of 11 to 12 years.
The HIV vaccine is one of the most commonly used vaccines to protect young children against meningitis. Besides fighting meningitis, it also helps fight epiglottis, pneumonia and bacteria along with several other bacterial functions. This vaccine is particularly given to children when they are two months of age. A booster dose is again injected at the age of 12 to 15 months.
Yet another vaccine that is used to fight meningitis is the pneumoccol vaccine, also known as Prevnar. Though this vaccine is primarily used to prevent ear infections, it also works in keeping meningitis and other blood infections at bay. This vaccine is typically administered to children at an age of two months. It helps fight the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which is one of the primary causes of meningitis.
Since, there are so many vaccines that are used to fight meningitis; it is always a better idea to consult a doctor about them. Most of these vaccines need to be given in childhood especially during the first year. If you have missed out on some of these vaccines for any reason, then it would be a sensible idea to consult a doctor. Your doctor can advise you about the vaccines that you can use to keep the problem at bay.
Make sure that your children get these vaccines because these vaccines can play a great role in keeping your kids away from meningitis.
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