Meningitis
MENJUGATE (Conjugate C Meningococcal
Vaccine) NEIS VAC-C (Meningococcal Group C Vaccine)
● Back
to Fact Sheets
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal
cord. There are two main types of meningitis: viral Meningitis and bacterial
Meningitis. The symptoms of both are so similar that medical tests are needed to tell
the difference.
- Viral Meningitis is most common and least serious. It may be
caused by a wide variety of common viruses. Antibiotics have no effect. People with
viral meningitis almost always get completely well without treatment
- Bacterial Meningitis is an extremely serious bacterial infection.
It can lead to long-term complications, such as deafness, brain injury, and even
death. Bacterial Meningitis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. This form
of Meningitis is fairly rare. The two most common types of bacterial Meningitis are
Meningococcal (men-in-go-kawcal) and Pneumococcal (new-mo-kawcal).
People with Meningitis become very sick. It may take 2-10 days for
Meningitis to develop, or it can take a matter of hours. Symptoms of Meningitis may
include:
- Severe headache
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright
lights
- Stiff neck and joint pains
- Drowsiness, confusion, or coma
- Rash of tiny,
red-purple spots or bruises anywhere on the body
How is Meningitis spread?
Meningitis is spread when people cough, sneeze or kiss. It can also
be spread through saliva (spit) of an infected person when sharing items such as:
- Cigarettes
- Lipstick
- Cups, water bottles, cans, etc.
- Toothbrushes Ø Musical instruments with mouthpieces
- Mouth guards
How Does the MENJUGATE and NEIS VAC- C Vaccine Work?
Menjugate and NeisVac-C protect against group C Meningitis and can
be given to infants as early as 2 months of age, adolescents, and adults. Children
less than 1 year of age will require 3 doses of Menjugate OR 2 doses of NeisVac-C.
The Menjugate or NeisVac-C vaccines can be given at the same time as
other vaccines.
Who should NOT get the MENJUGATE or NEIS VAC-C Vaccine?
- Anyone with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine
(Menjugate
- aluminium hydroxide)
(NeisVac-C - aluminium hydroxide, tetanus)
- Anyone who has had
a severe reaction to a Meningitis vaccine in the past
- Anyone with a fever over 38.5°
C (101° F)
- Anyone who has had a Meningitis vaccine in the past 6 months
- Anyone who
is pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to their health care provider prior to
receiving this vaccine
Are there any side effects of the vaccine?
Although side effects are rare, the most common side effects of the
vaccine are:
- Redness, soreness, and swelling at the injection site
- Other reactions
may include fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, and rashes and
should subside in 1 to 2 days
- Allergic reactions like hives, wheezing, swelling of
the face and mouth are extremely rare, however if these symptoms occur, seek medical
attention immediately and let the Health Unit know about it
It is routine for you to
sit and wait in the reception area for 15 minutes after receiving this vaccine. Please
advise the receptionist immediately if you start to feel ill. |
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
Home Page 