Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects

What is meningitis? This disease occurs when the meninges, that is, the membrane that covers the brain swells and exerts pressure on the brain causing it to swell too and not function properly. The good news is that there is a vaccine for meningitis and so you do not necessarily have to die or go into vegetative state when you suffer this. However, you should note a few things about the meningitis vaccine side effects. Of course, research is the key. Go online and find as much information as you can about this, just as you are reading this now. Knowledge is power and if you are informed, you will know what to do if you suffer this life threatening   infection.

To prevent this infection, there are two vaccines in the USA, and in many other countries in the world. However, some people may exhibit some side effects to the vaccines. Remember that meningitis is caused by many factors, which include other drugs’ side effects. Therefore, you can never be too sure about the vaccines but today, there is a lot of information on the internet regarding that, and so you should easily find all you need to know. Maybe the vaccines should not be administered to people who suffer other conditions. However, leave this to the discretion of the doctor because she/she will advise you amply regarding the vaccination.

Since bacteria, fungi and virus, bring meningitis, the vaccines are usually very effective. What happens is that the vaccine introduces little amounts of bacteria to the body to provoke the immune system to produce antibodies to counter that. That way, the body develops immunity to the infection. It is also important to remember that the vaccine may not be effective against the infection if you already have it. The two common vaccines given are meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, also called MPSV4 and meningococcal conjugate vaccine, also called MCV4.

Possible meningitis vaccine side effects include

1. Loose stool or diarrhea and nausea
2. Headaches and migraines
3. Chills and high or low fevers
4. Body weakness and fatigue with out any explanation
5. Joint pains
6. Unexplained pains in the arms and legs
7. Redness and swelling around the injected part
8. Vomiting
9. Skin rashes and many more

Note that some people may exhibit more side effects than others. Again, the MPSV4 vaccine may cause side effects that are different from what the MCV4 vaccine causes. The severity of the symptoms may also differ. The side effects may occur a few hours, days or weeks after you get the vaccine and again, note that the severity of the side effects will differ from one person to another. It is very important for you to find out who is more susceptible to meningitis vaccine side effects. For example, people who are allergic to drugs should not take this vaccine. Should there be an allergic reaction in their bodies regarding the vaccine, the side effects could be so severe as to even cause death. For example, they could bring about swelling of the tongue, inability to breathe, irregular heartbeats and many more. See a doctor immediately if that happens.