Vaccination against meningitis for infants. Is it worth getting vaccinated against meningococcal infection? Meningitis: features of the disease

Meningococcal infection is an acute infectious disease caused by one of the types of pathogenic bacteria - meningococci. The main preventive measure for such a disease is vaccination. There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of the meningococcal vaccine.

How dangerous is meningococcal infection and is it necessary to be vaccinated against it?

The vaccine against meningococcal infection is not mandatory, that is, it is not included in the vaccination calendar. The exception is some cases when the vaccination must be done in mandatory. In other cases, whether to vaccinate or not is a decision you make independently.

Vaccinations against meningococcal infection are effective, as proven by scientific, clinical and practical developments.

It is important to know that meningococcal infection is dangerous because it very quickly turns into severe form, in which the risk of lethal development is very high. The first symptoms of the disease are often similar to acute respiratory infection, which greatly complicates diagnosis.

It is also dangerous because meningococci come in 13 serogroups. In Russia, the most common groups are B, C, Y. The infection is spread by airborne droplets. Often, a carrier of meningococcus does not even know about it. It is worth noting that there are a lot of bacteria carriers - more than a thousand per patient.

Indications and contraindications for vaccination

There are certain indications for vaccination against meningococcal infection:

epidemiological situation;
rise in incidence - in Russia this is more than 20 victims per 100 thousand population (epidemic threshold of 2 people per 100 thousand population);
contact with an infected person;
congenital or acquired developmental anomaly or absence of the spleen;
living or staying in an area unfavorable for meningococcus;
conscripts, recruits;
employees of laboratories and research institutes who have contact with meningococcus;
heredity (one of the parents suffered the infection);
increased risk of infection:
Children from preschool institutions;
- schoolchildren of grades 1-2;
- students of secondary special and higher education educational institutions living in a dormitory;
- children living in family dormitories with negative sanitary and hygienic conditions.

There are some contraindications for vaccination:

children who have previously had a severe reaction to such a vaccine or one of its components;
acute infection at the time of vaccination;
exacerbation chronic illness at the time of vaccination;
severe systemic disease;
manifestation of allergies during vaccination.

Names and descriptions of vaccines against meningococcal infection

There are two types of vaccinations against meningococcal infection - polysaccharide and conjugate (include carrier proteins). In Russia, both options are used for vaccination. Among the polysaccharide vaccines used:

meningococcal vaccines A and A+C;
Meningo A+C;
Bexsero (serogroup B);
Menactra;
Mencevax ACWY.

Meningococcal vaccines A and A+C

This vaccine is available in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a solution for injection is prepared. The solvent is sodium chloride (0.9%, 5 ml per ampoule).

The vaccine is prophylactic against meningococcal infections belonging to serogroups A and C, and forms active immunity for 3 years.

Vaccination is performed once. It is allowed from 1.5 years of age, but for some indications it is carried out earlier. The dosage does not depend on age.

The vaccine can be administered subcutaneously (under the shoulder blade) or intramuscularly (upper third of the shoulder). The standard dosage of the drug is 0.5 ml, but only half of the solution is administered to children under 8 years of age.

Meningo A+C

This vaccine is produced in France and is intended for the prevention of meningitis, meningococcemia and other purulent-septic diseases caused by pathogens of serogroups A and C.

The vaccine is represented by two components - a vial with dried lyophilized vaccine and a syringe containing a solvent. The dosage is the same for everyone and is 0.5 ml. The vaccine is administered with the same syringe that contains the solvent - it has a special needle that minimizes pain from the injection.

The vaccine is given once. Children over 2 years of age require revaccination every 3 years. In adults, immunity lasts up to 10 years. The vaccine is compatible with all drugs included in the national calendar vaccinations. The exception is the BCG vaccine.

For children under two years of age, the vaccine is administered in several doses. The second dose of the drug is administered after 3 months, and the next vaccine is given after three years.

The cost of the vaccine is approximately 3,000 rubles.

Bexsero

This vaccine is relatively new. It is produced by Novatris. The vaccination can be given to adults and children from 2 months. The dosage is the same for everyone - 0.5 ml.

This drug has a special vaccination schedule:

Children under 5 months of age are given the vaccine three times at intervals of a month, then the vaccine is given again - at the age of 1 to 2 years, once;
children from 6 months to a year are vaccinated twice with an interval of at least 2 months, and then from 2 to 3 years old they are vaccinated once;
children from 1 to 2 years old are given the vaccine twice with an interval of 2 months, and then another one once a year after the first vaccination;
Children from 2 to 10 years old are given the vaccine twice - the interval should be at least 2 months;
Children over 11 years of age and adults are given the vaccine twice - the interval should be at least a month.

The cost of the vaccine in Russia is about 10 thousand rubles.

Menactra

This vaccine was approved in Russia only in 2014. Children are vaccinated from 9 months, although some other countries allow vaccinations from 2 months (special indications).

Adults and children over 2 years of age are given the vaccine once. Lasting immunity is achieved after 10 days. Children under 2 years of age are vaccinated in 2 stages - a second injection is given after 3 months.

The vaccine is given intramuscularly - injected into the shoulder. Since in children under one year of age the shoulder muscles are less developed than the thigh muscles, the drug is administered to them specifically in the latter. Revaccination is not necessary.

The cost of this vaccine in Russia is approximately 4000-5000 rubles.

Mencevax ACWY

This vaccine is produced in Belgium, and it has been registered in Russia since 2003. The drug contains 50 mcg of meningococcal polysaccharides of groups A, C, Y, W135 and Excipients(sodium chloride, lactose and phenol).

The prepared solution cannot be stored. The vaccine is available in single-dose or multi-dose vials. In the second case, each dose must be taken with a new syringe.

The vaccine is suitable for adults and children over 2 years of age and is administered once in a dosage of 0.5 ml. In children, immunity lasts up to 3 years, in adults – up to 10 years.

Mencevax can be combined with other vaccines except BCG. They need to be performed in different places, each with a new syringe. The vaccine is given exclusively intramuscularly - into the shoulder.

The cost of a vaccine in Russia averages 3,500-4,000 rubles.

Vaccination against meningitis helps prevent this terrible disease. After all, you won’t be able to protect yourself from the disease by wrapping yourself up warmly. The disease affects the brain and spinal cord. According to statistics, children aged 5–6 years are most often affected. Meningococcus is spread by airborne droplets. If preventive measures are not taken to prevent the disease, the development of bacteria can lead to consequences, including death.

Causes of the disease

The problem with meningitis is that common vaccine There are no viruses for all groups. Each drug is developed to counter specific strains of the virus. But all microbes have a common nature.

Complications on the brain can be caused by sources of infection:

viruses;
fungus;
Koch bacillus (tuberculosis);
syphilis;
pneumococcus, etc.

Infectious agents can provoke disease both from outside the body and inside it. This will make disease prevention completely different.

Before asking: “Is there a vaccine against meningitis?”, you need to understand the classification of the disease. Inside the body, infection can develop depending on:

genetic or age-related predisposition;
the presence of other viral diseases;
decreased immunity;
presence of tumors in the head;
various brain injuries.

The disease is caused by the Haemophilus influenzae virus. This pathogen is the main cause various diseases, in particular purulent meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, arthritis and sepsis (the most dangerous disease, as a result of which the entire body begins to fester).

The disease is very difficult and causes severe complications. Infection occurs through conversation, coughing and sneezing. Some microorganisms do not infect the host, but settle in the nasopharynx and become a source of infection for other people.

Symptoms of the disease

Usually it all starts with the patient having a fever. heat(from 39 to 40 o C). He starts to tremble, his body weakens, appears desire sleep. All these symptoms are accompanied by vomiting and headaches.

Children under 1 year of age may cry a lot due to headaches. A slight compaction can be observed on the fontanel. All symptoms are getting worse every day. The patient's condition becomes very serious. Moreover, the virus can affect not only the brain, but sometimes the disease spreads to the joints, lungs, epiglottis, etc.

The disease is very difficult to treat. Since the virus itself releases special enzymes that have very strong defense against antibiotics. Therefore, according to statistics, deaths from meningococcus range from 15 to 20%. And most of the patients who survive this virus develop severe complications. In particular:

different types of seizures;
delay mental development The child has;
deafness;
blindness;
underdevelopment of joints.

Vaccination against meningitis in children can prevent this disease. Doctors from all over the world recommend vaccination to everyone. About 80 countries around the world perform this procedure on their citizens. But in Russia, unfortunately, there are not antigens for all groups of meningococcal bacillus.

The meningitis vaccine is not included in the mandatory vaccination schedule. But parents should know about the existence of this virus in order to get an additional paid vaccination if they want to protect their child.

A special place is occupied by pneumonia, which is a complication after infection. Since in 60% of cases, children aged 2 to 8 years suffer from this disease very hard. Therefore, the development of the disease can cause:

heart failure;
various purulent formations (ear, throat, nose);
inflammatory processes;
respiratory diseases.

Children who have bronchopulmonary diseases and bronchial asthma are most susceptible to meningitis.

Indications

If the mother has dealt with the disease, then her child is protected from the disease. The mother's immunity is transmitted through milk. But as soon as she stops breastfeeding, the antibodies disappear. From 1.5 to three years, a child is vulnerable to this virus. From three years of age, a child begins to develop his own immunity to any viral pathogens. Immunity develops up to five years of age.

Except for younger children school age the vaccine is indicated:

patients with weakened immune systems;
after the patient has had a bone marrow transplant;
for those who have had their spleen or thymus gland removed;
patients with cancer;
HIV-infected;
for those patients who have chronic lung diseases.

Attention must be paid to older people. This category of citizens is no less susceptible to contracting the virus than children. This is especially true for those over 65 years of age. They are usually given the meningitis drug in parallel with the flu vaccine.

This is done to prevent acute form pneumonia. Moreover, if older people are vaccinated, they are less likely to infect their grandchildren. Because elderly body no longer has this good immunity like young people. You need to pay attention to this.

Contraindications

Any vaccine against meningitis is allowed to be administered only healthy people. It is prohibited to use the solution in patients with an allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug, pregnant women and nursing mothers. But in the latter case, in order to save the life of mother and child, doctors can make an exception.

If the patient is sick or has an exacerbation of a chronic disease, vaccination is postponed until full recovery, or until it goes acute stage chronic illness.

Vaccination against meningitis - composition and vaccination schedule

The meningitis vaccine is divided into three groups: polysaccharide, protein, conjugate. They differ in that they create immunity from various forms of meningococcal bacillus.

The polysaccharide vaccine is an immunostimulating solution. The composition of the drug consists of dead virus cells that do not cause infection. There are three types of groups of polysaccharide vaccines against meningitis:

divalent group (contain the bodies of viruses A and C);
trivalent group (contain the bodies of viruses A, C, W);
tetravalent group (contain the bodies of viruses A, C, Y, W135).

There is also a group of X viruses. Its activity has been noticed in North America, Australia, western Africa and a small area of Europe. But there is no vaccine for this virus yet.

After administration of the solution, the body begins to actively produce sufficient quantity antibodies that can fight the virus. The effect of the vaccine lasts up to five years in adults and up to two years in children. Therefore, doctors recommend repeated administration of the drug every 3 years.

The most common polysaccharide vaccines:

polysaccharide dry (group A);
polysaccharide vaccine A+C;
Meningo A+C (indicated for children over 18 months);
Mencevax ACWY (administered to ages two years and older);
Menactra ACWY (the vaccine is indicated for children from two years of age and adults up to 55 years of age).

Protein vaccine is better suited for preventive treatment group B meningococcal bacillus (ACT-HIB). It consists of individual parts of the microbe. The solution does not contain preservatives, antibiotics or other by-products.

The drug looks like a dry substance and a solvent in which it is diluted. Both components are present in the package. It is administered intramuscularly:

children under 18 months. in the thigh;
children from 18 months. in the shoulder.

The meningitis vaccine for children is administered according to the following scheme:

The first vaccination is carried out at 2 - 3 months. Then you need to take a break of 1 – 2 months. The second and third time (taking a break of 1 - 2 months), along with the meningitis vaccine, the following vaccinations are given: whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria ( DTP vaccinations) and polio. The fourth (fixing) vaccination against meningitis is given 12 months later.
Children from 6 – 12 months. It is enough to carry out two vaccinations, observing a pause of 1 - 2 months. And the third fixing vaccination should be carried out after 12 months.
The solution can be combined with other vaccines (except BCG), including immunoglobulin. It can be combined with the drug TERRACOK in one syringe.
According to statistics, patients who were vaccinated against group B meningitis had increased immunity against acute respiratory infections. That is, the number of patients has sharply decreased.

Conjugate vaccines protect the body from meningococcal bacillus groups A, C, W135, Y, etc. It is more stable than polysaccharide vaccines. It is used in the USA, Canada, and some European countries. The vaccine is prescribed for children from two months of age. up to two years. But as an exception, adolescents and adults can be vaccinated with it. The solution contains the cell envelope of the virus based on a polysaccharide. Does not contain preservatives or antibiotics.

The drug is administered once subcutaneously (under the shoulder blade) or in top part shoulder

children from 1 to 8 years old 0.25 ml of solution;
children over 8 years old, 0.5 ml of solution.

Vaccines for this group were developed to prevent the spread of the disease at the source of the epidemic. It is given to children who are 18 months old. and older. This is mainly a group of viruses A and C. On this moment there are two domestic vaccines(Meningococcal A and Meningococcal A + C).

The Western analogue of "Menactra" is indicated for children from 9 months. Usually it is administered twice with a break of 3 months. And after 2 years, revaccination is carried out.

Neisvac-C is administered to infants from 2 months of age. But the vaccine protects only against group C viruses. It is administered twice, but with a break of 2 months. For children aged 1 year and older, one dose is sufficient. Mrnveo is suitable for children aged two years and older. One dose is enough to protect the body from the virus. After 5 years, revaccination is carried out.

Side effects

When a meningitis vaccination has been carried out, the consequences may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

pain at the injection site;
skin thickening;
swelling and redness of the vaccination site.

General reactions:

fatigue (weakness of the body);
irritability;
drowsiness;
rash;
complication of the process as a result allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug;
temperature increase.

Is it necessary to vaccinate?

Anyone on the planet can get meningitis. Therefore, in some countries this type of vaccine is not included in the compulsory vaccination schedule. But there is a certain group of the population who need this vaccine. It's basically:

employees of medical institutions;
tourists;
HIV-infected;
layer of the population with weak immunity;
laboratory staff;
students;
pupils;
conscripts.

Despite all positive sides this vaccination, many people refuse to take it. There are many reasons. It can be negative reviews on the Internet, religious beliefs, side effects. But most main reason refusal to vaccinate is the fact that any vaccination against meningitis does not fully guarantee that the patient will be protected from the virus.

After lengthy research, doctors discovered that after vaccination, even if the patient gets meningitis, the disease is much easier. When the patient recovers, complications rarely arise, and the disease can be cured much faster than in an unvaccinated person.

Statistics show that Lately Mortality from meningococcal bacilli has decreased significantly. But you need to get vaccinated only after consulting a doctor.

Treatment of meningitis

Treatment of meningitis is carried out inpatiently. The patient is placed in an isolated room and prescribed complex treatment antibiotics and sulfa drugs. Usually this process depends on the type of disease. That is, if the patient tuberculous meningitis, then treatment for tuberculosis is prescribed, if it is associated with syphilis, then syphilis is treated in parallel. If a patient with pneumonia is admitted to the hospital, pneumonia is treated, etc.

Additionally, dehydration agents may be prescribed to reduce swelling. At the same time, sedatives and a complex of vitamins are prescribed. The most important thing is careful care and good nutrition to improve immunity.

Conclusion

Meningitis is caused by various viruses, but has general signs. This is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. Young children are most often affected by this disease. preschool age. In this case, in order to prevent epidemic outbreaks, vaccines against various infectious agents were developed.

The most common virus is considered to be type B, but this drug is not included in calendar plan mandatory vaccinations. Therefore, parents should consult a doctor about vaccinating their child.

To decide for yourself the importance of immunization, you need to have a good idea of how dangerous meningitis infection is. Great importance has and correct selection vaccines.

Meningitis: features of the disease

Depending on the nature of the pathogen, the disease can be viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, mixed or other in nature. The rapid development of the disease and the lack of proper medical care lead to severe consequences.

Meningitis affects the body with a weakened immune system. Approximately 60% of total number children are infected. Because of this, their body needs enhanced protection and preventive measures. In people who have recovered and been vaccinated against meningitis, the risk of infection is significantly reduced and is about 0.1%.

Vulnerable groups

In connection with the formation immune system. Less commonly, outbreaks of the disease occur in adults with immunocompromised conditions. Vaccination of children and adults is not carried out according to the compulsory vaccination calendar. Collective immunization is organized during disease outbreaks and only where the outbreak is located.

premature babies, “artificial babies” and those whose age is less than two years;
children going to kindergarten, clubs or sections;
all categories of the population with an increased frequency of seasonal infections;
patients with relapse of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis;
planning to vacation in regions with high risk infections to tourists;
patients with oncology and immunodeficiency virus;
hospital employees;
women planning pregnancy.

Thanks to the vaccine, the risk of developing acute respiratory diseases noticeably decreases, which is important for a frequently ill child.

Free vaccinations

The need to be vaccinated against infections in a number of developed countries established at the legislative level. This practice has led to significantly fewer cases of infection. Vaccination against meningitis for children is not a preventive procedure included in the general immunization schedule. This fact is explained by the high prices of vaccines.

In some cases, free vaccinations are organized in our country. Firstly, this happens when an epidemic occurs. If the number of cases exceeds the permissible threshold (20 people per 100 thousand), the vaccine becomes mandatory procedure. Secondly, if there is a child in the children's group who is suspected of having meningitis, all other children are advised to get vaccinated. Within a maximum of 10 days, all children who have had contact with the patient are vaccinated. Thirdly, if there is an increased incidence rate in a region, then a person living there can be vaccinated for free. Fourthly, if the child has a severe immunodeficiency, he is prescribed vaccination in accordance with the free vaccination plan.

The remaining cases do not fall into the free category, so the baby’s parents or other categories of the population independently purchase the vaccine at the pharmacy.

Vaccination and its features

Preventive actions, aimed at strengthening the immune system, differ in a number of features. The hemophilic variant of the disease is severe and complications often occur. Haemophilus influenzae type b makes children aged 5-6 years vulnerable. Parents should keep in mind that the vaccine has a 95% effect. If you carry out re-vaccination, then at the laboratory level a significant increase in antibodies can be observed.

Pneumococci are especially dangerous for children under two years of age and for older people. In these age categories meningitis is often diagnosed against the background of pneumonia. When carrying out mass prevention aimed at producing antibodies to pneumococcus in the body, the risk of infection is reduced by 80%.

Read also on the topic

What is dangerous about serous meningitis, how to avoid serious consequences

Meningococcal infection develops as a result of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis entering the body. Infants under one year of age are considered vulnerable. All meningococci are divided into 12 serogroups, but regardless of this fact, vaccination against infection contributes to the formation of an immune response in 90% of cases. The body's defenses with developed antibodies will cope with the task from 2 to 10 years, depending on individual characteristics.

Vaccine options

Meningitis infection develops in the body due to viruses or bacteria. Therefore, it will not be possible to produce a single vaccine aimed at protecting against all pathogens simultaneously. There is a group of drugs aimed at producing antibodies against meningococci. Other drugs work to create immunity against Haemophilus influenzae. Finally, pneumococcal vaccines are used.

Meningococci

Vaccines against these bacteria provide an immune response to serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y. Use is permitted in our country the following drugs:

Domestic mono A and divaccine A+C. They help produce antibodies against groups A and C, but are powerless against purulent meningococcal infections. The vaccine can be used to vaccinate children over one and a half years old. After three years, re-vaccination is required.
Meningo A+C made in France. The effect of the drug helps prevent the occurrence of cerebrospinal meningitis. The vaccine has become widespread among the adult population and is recommended for children over one and a half years old.
Mencevax ACWY made in Belgium. The vaccine reduces the risk of meningococcal type infection, which (as the name suggests) is caused by serogroups A, C, W, Y. Mencevax can be used among the adult population; children over two years of age are vaccinated with it.
Menactra (made in the USA). Vaccination promotes the formation of stable immunity to pathogens of all four serogroups. It is used in children over two years of age and in adults up to 55 years of age.

The form of release of the drugs is lyophilisate (dry substance), which must be diluted with a solvent (sodium chloride) before vaccination. The vaccination is carried out subcutaneously, some drugs are administered intramuscularly. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky E. O., in his explanations about immunization against meningitis, spoke positively about the meningococcal vaccine.

Haemophilus influenzae

In 1997, the drug Act-HIB, produced by the French company Sanofi Pasteur, began to be used in Russia. It prevents the occurrence of infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae. The most dangerous type b stick is considered. The preparation is based on particles of the cell wall of the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b. Release form: lyophilisate. The dry powder is diluted with sodium chloride immediately before grafting.

Often used as an alternative or addition to Act-HIB combination drug, which is called Tetrakok. This is a vaccine that is effective against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio. The immunity created as a result of vaccination protects the child from these diseases, the complication of which can be meningitis.

Pneumococci

Vaccination preparations with the following names are widely used in Russia: Pneumo 23 (manufactured in France) and Prevenar 13 (USA). The first vaccine is given to children after two years of age. As a result, immunity is created for the next 10 years. The second can be used from 2 months of age to 5 years. Persistent immunity develops after a course of 4 injections. Used for free vaccinations.

Contraindications

Vaccination is allowed not only to healthy categories of the population, but also to those sick people who have been diagnosed with light form meningitis. But there are a number of cases when it is better not to get vaccinated.

Meningococcal disease is a disease in which bacteria that multiply can lead to serious illnesses. In particular, meningitis, sepsis, nasopharyngitis, pneumonia, sinusitis or meningococcemia.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a meningococcal infection that can be of two forms: primary and secondary. In the first case, they enter the body by airborne droplets. Through the throat, and then by overcoming the blood-brain barrier into the lining of the brain. This form of the disease can be purulent or serous.

At serous meningitis lymphocytes accumulate in cerebrospinal fluid. It is caused by bacteria or viruses that cause tuberculosis. At purulent meningitis Neutrophils accumulate in the cerebrospinal fluid. This happens due to bacteria. Mainly meningococci A and C. Almost 40% of cases of the disease begin due to B. And only 2% are due to pneumonia.

Secondary meningitis affects the airways, oropharynx, ears, or salivary glands. Symptoms of illnesses such as pneumonia or intestinal infection. The bacteria then penetrate through the lymph and blood, causing inflammation of the brain. Secondary meningitis is caused by staphylococci, streptococci, coli, candida fungi, viruses, salmonella and other pathogens.

Are there epidemics?

A surge in meningococcal infection was observed in Russia in 1968. Cases of the disease were quite common. Therefore, vaccination against meningococcal infection became relevant. It was a real epidemic. But thanks to vaccinations, it gradually disappeared. And now this disease does not occur very often. For example, in 2000, there were 8 infected people per hundred thousand Russians.

Children are more susceptible to this disease. And the reason lies in insufficient vaccination. But nasopharyngitis can have different etiologies, and it is sometimes quite difficult to distinguish it from another disease. Therefore, to the question of whether vaccinations against meningitis are necessary, the answer will be positive. It is better to prevent a disease initially than to treat it for a long time.

What causes meningococcal infection?

The causative agent of meningococcal infection is the bacteria Neisseria meningitides. The disease can occur in several forms. Most often in the form of the Pathogen (Wekselbaum's meningococcus) is a gram-negative diplococcus. It does not have capsules or flagella and is inactive. Does not form a dispute. The optimal temperature for bacterial growth is 37 degrees.

Where is meningococcal infection found?

Meningococcal infection exists in all countries. But the highest incidence is in Central and Western Africa. Small outbreaks of infection have broken out several times in Russia. Therefore, vaccination against meningococcal infection is necessary to prevent the disease from becoming an epidemic.

Complications of meningitis

This disease is quite dangerous. If you are not vaccinated against infection on time, you may experience serious complications. They often lead to death. If meningitis is not treated in time, it can lead to disability. There are several types of complications:

What vaccines are there?

In Russia, the foreign vaccine against meningococcal infection “Meningo A+C” is most often used to prevent the disease. Or domestic A and C. The vaccine, which contains W-135 and Y, is vaccinated only among pilgrims leaving for Mecca. Containing group B meningococci is not widely used. It has low immunogenicity and has a number of antigenic determinants, which can cause side effects and complications.

To prevent inflammation of the brain, vaccination against meningococcal infection is given. The name may be different, since there is far more than one vaccine created: “Akt-Hib”, “Hiberix”, “Tetr-Akt-Hib”, “Pentaxim” and a number of others. You can get them mostly free of charge, in almost any city clinic. True, some are sold only for money and can be quite expensive.

For prevention, the Pneumo-23 vaccine is used. It is produced in France. Vaccinations are given free of charge only to children at risk. For everyone else who wishes, go to on a paid basis. These vaccinations reduce the risk of contracting not only meningitis, but also a number of other diseases (sepsis, pneumonia, etc.).

When and what vaccinations are given?

The vaccines that are most often used contain polysaccharides. They are administered to children from 2 years of age. Such vaccines can protect a child for 3 years. But most often (more than 50% of cases) meningitis occurs in children under two years of age. They are vaccinated with a weak immune response. The vaccine against meningococcal infection of group A is used only for children over one year old, group C - only up to the age of two. The vaccination is done only once.

Are there vaccines against meningitis for infants?

Work is currently underway on vaccines for infants. Although serotype C vaccinations have already proven themselves to be effective. Thanks to this vaccine, the incidence of meningitis is reduced by 76%. In children under two years of age - by 90%. Work is currently underway on combination vaccines that should contain 4 serotypes of meningococcus. Before vaccination, you should consult your doctor. You should not choose a vaccine for your child on your own, without consulting a specialist.

Do you need vaccinations against meningococcal disease?

Vaccination against meningococcal infection is done not only for prevention, but also in the event of epidemics. The “A+C” vaccine is usually used, which is administered when there is a risk of an epidemic. The entire population who lives dangerously close to the source of the infection is being vaccinated. But every country has its own epidemic threshold. If the number of sick people exceeds a certain established number, then vaccination of the population is necessary.

This is especially true for children. The time of vaccinations is assigned according to a special vaccination calendar. According to it, they are given to children over two years of age, adolescents and adults in case of a outbreak of meningococcal infection, which is caused by bacteria of serogroups A and C.

And also to persons exposed to increased risk infection. For students primary classes living in boarding schools and orphanages, in family hostels. The same applies to children from disadvantaged families where sanitary and hygienic conditions are violated. Since you can get meningitis even from unwashed hands or fruit. Therefore the creation combination vaccines, especially for infants, is necessary.

Polysaccharide vaccines

As mentioned above, A+C vaccinations are mainly used for vaccination. There is some hyperemia and soreness at the injection site (usually in 5% of vaccinated people). Occurs somewhat less frequently elevated temperature, which normalizes within 1.5 days. With some vaccines it does not occur at all. The maximum is redness at the injection site. Vaccines are contraindicated only for people with chronic diseases, or if you are allergic to the components contained in them.

Is vaccination against meningococcal infection necessary?

In Russia, mandatory vaccination against meningitis was introduced several years ago. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae. It can cause more than just meningitis. For example, otitis media, pneumonia and sinusitis. True, we should not forget that meningitis can be caused not only by Haemophilus influenzae, but also by many other microbes.

Vaccination against this disease is carried out in all countries of the world. Inflammation of the brain can be fatal. Vaccinations are done according to standard medical calendars vaccinations simultaneously with DPT. Modern vaccines contain a component of Hib infection. Haemophilus influenzae, as scientists have found, can be of six types. The most dangerous microbes for humans are type B microbes. Mostly, vaccinations are given that contain a component of this disease in order to develop protective immunity.

Meningitis (Haemophilus influenzae) infection is very dangerous for children under 5 years of age. Then there is no point in getting vaccinated, since with age people develop immunity automatically. Although it is impossible to completely protect a person from meningitis. You can only significantly reduce the risk of catching it. Call various shapes Pneumococcus is also capable of meningitis. But there are also vaccines against this microbe. Most dangerous bacteria, which most often cause inflammation of the brain, are called meningococci.

If you have been in contact with someone who is sick

To prevent meningitis, vaccinations are necessary. Immunoglobulin is administered to children under 7 years of age, but no later than a week after contact with the patient. In this case, a child under 2 years of age is prescribed 1.5 ml, and older children - 3 ml of vaccine. If a person is a carrier of the disease, then chemoprophylaxis is carried out for four days. If this is an adult, he is prescribed rifampicin twice a day, 0.3 grams.

Vaccinations against meningitis are given in advance, without waiting for a person to get sick. Amoxicillin is used instead of ampicillin. It has a great effect on pathogenic bacteria. In many countries, vaccinations are prescribed to everyone who has had contact with sick people. Vaccination is carried out over two days. Up to a year - from 5 to 10 mg/kg per day, from a year to 12 years - 10 mg/kg per day, or one shot of Ceftriaxone 200 mg is given. These vaccinations have an excellent effect not only but also on those in contact with patients with meningococcal infection. Secondary meningitis can occur within a month. To avoid this, in the first 5 days after contact with a sick person, it is necessary to get vaccinated to prevent infection.

Shoshina Vera Nikolaevna

Therapist, education: Northern medical University. Work experience 10 years.

Articles written

The danger of meningitis lies in the rapid development of the inflammatory process and the severity of its course. The disease can lead to serious consequences that will have to be dealt with for the rest of your life, and even death.

Treatment of infection is greatly complicated by the low sensitivity of its pathogens to. It is especially dangerous for children whose immunity has not yet developed. Vaccination against meningitis will help protect them from infection.

Pathogens

Under general concept“meningitis” refers to several infections that lead to inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. They can be caused by:

viruses;
bacteria;
mushrooms;
the simplest.

Viruses spread by airborne droplets are a cause that occurs more easily. more dangerous. It is mainly caused by 3 types of bacteria:

haemophilus;
pneumococcal.

Most often (in 54% of patients) purulent inflammatory process stimulated by meningococci. The infection they provoke is widespread, spreading quickly in closed groups (orphanages, dormitories, military barracks). In second place (39% of cases) is Haemophilus influenzae (type B). In 5% of patients, inflammation develops due to pneumococci, and in 2% it is caused by other bacteria.

Following good hygiene practices will help reduce the risk of infection. You need to teach yourself and family members to wash your hands more often, use individual utensils, and also avoid contact with carriers of the infection.

The importance of childhood vaccinations

Ages from 2.5 months to 3 years are the most dangerous in terms of the incidence of meningitis. A baby, whose immunity is still developing, can easily be infected by an adult who is a carrier of the infection. The likelihood of illness increases significantly if he attends kindergarten or any group classes.

Meningitis suffered in childhood threatens the child and his family with serious consequences, including:

behavioral problems (aggression, irritability, tendency to tantrums);
coordination problems;
unilateral paresis affecting the face and limbs;
mental disorders;
epilepsy;
cerebral paralysis;
fast fatiguability;
developmental delay;
learning difficulties;
headache;
dizziness;
deterioration of memory, attention, vision and hearing;
anxiety;
sleep disorders;
depression.

Moreover, they may not appear immediately, but in the distant future. To avoid such complications, children are vaccinated against meningitis.

Indications for vaccination

Vaccination against meningitis is not included in the list of mandatory vaccinations. It is carried out en masse only during an epidemic, when there are 20 sick people per 100 thousand people. In other cases, having decided to vaccinate your baby or get vaccinated against meningitis yourself, you can contact private clinic and undergo the procedure for a fee.

There are also exceptions that allow the vaccine to be used in a normal epidemiological situation:

the appearance of a child in the team who is suspected of having meningitis. In this case, within 5-10 days, vaccinations are given to everyone who had contact with the patient, as well as children (aged 1-8 years) and adolescents living in the area of infection;
living in an area where cases of meningitis are common, or planning to travel to this area;
child visit kindergarten at the age of 1.5-2 years;
immunodeficiency.

There is no consensus among experts on the issue of the optimal age for administering the vaccine. Some of them believe that vaccination before 2 years of age is ineffective: the immunity that has not yet formed will not be able to respond to it sustainably. After vaccination during this period, it is repeated twice: after 3 months and after 3 years.

Types of wackines

Since different bacteria can cause meningitis, there is no vaccine that can protect against all possible pathogens of the disease. To minimize the risk of infection, vaccinations are carried out using compounds that enhance immunity to the most dangerous of them: meningococci, pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae.

Types of meningococcal vaccines

They do not contain whole microorganisms, but polysaccharides from their cells, which makes vaccination completely safe.

To prevent the hemophilic form of the disease, the following drugs are used:

Hiberix;
Pentaxim;
Infarix Hexa.

The first vaccine protects only against meningitis, providing the vaccinated person lifelong immunity. It is administered to the child 4 times: at the age of 3 months, 4.5 months, 6 months, 18 months.

Small children are vaccinated in the thigh (front and side), older children - in the shoulder or under the shoulder blade.

Two other drugs have a combined effect. They are also used to protect against:

diphtheria;
polio;
whooping cough;
tetanus.

There are several effective vaccines for the prevention of pneumococcal meningitis. In Russia, 2 of them are allowed.

Types of pneumococcal vaccines

The risk of contracting pneumococcal meningitis in children under 2 years of age is higher than in older children, so vaccination is often carried out with Prevenar 13. Its effect will be felt even if it is not possible to avoid infection. The course of the disease will be mild and there will be no complications.

It takes 2 weeks for the formation of stable immunity to bacteria that cause meningitis after administration of the serum. During this time, the body produces antibodies that can suppress the infection if it enters the blood.

When not to vaccinate

Meningitis vaccine can be given healthy child or for diseases occurring in mild form. If the illness is moderate, the doctor will recommend postponing the vaccination. It can be done after everyone has disappeared, when the baby has fully recovered.

Contraindications to vaccination are:

high temperature caused by an infectious disease;
acute inflammatory process;
exacerbation of a chronic disease;
allergy to the components of the drug.

Before the first vaccination, parents may not know that the baby’s body will react negatively to the serum. But if allergy symptoms appear after it, repeated administrations of the drug will have to be abandoned.

Do adults need vaccination?

With age, the risk of getting meningitis decreases, but does not completely disappear. Doctors recommend getting the vaccine for adults who:

spleen removed;
there are anatomical defects of the skull;
immunodeficiency was detected.

It is advisable to vaccinate people living in regions where the incidence of meningitis is high. During epidemic outbreaks, if the risk of infection is higher possible harm for the baby, even pregnant women are vaccinated. It is recommended to administer the serum to people at risk due to the nature of their activities. This:

students living in dormitories;
medical personnel;
conscripts;
tourists and travelers.

What to expect after vaccination

Vaccination against any form of meningitis (haemophilus influenzae, meningococcal, pneumococcal) does not pose any serious side effects. The body may react to the administration of the drug:

increased body temperature (within 37.5°C);
fever;
chills;
weakness;
drowsiness;
muscle soreness;
local symptoms: redness, swelling, mild rash, hardening at the injection site.

Most of these signs disappear within 1-3 days. The injection site may remain firm to the touch for up to 2 weeks. With such a reaction, it is better to show the baby to a doctor - it may indicate a weakened immune system. Urgent consultation with a specialist will be required if symptoms persist longer than normal or appear in an acute form.

Parents should be wary if their baby has:

swelling of the oral cavity;
labored breathing;
tachycardia;
dyspnea;
pale skin;
hives;
high (38-39°C) temperature.

The body's reaction depends on the type of drug. The Haemophilus influenzae vaccine causes local manifestations in 10 children out of 100. Rapidly disappearing malaise, irritability, and drowsiness are observed in 1-5 small patients.

When using drugs against meningococcus, skin reactions occur much more often - in 25% of cases. They are often accompanied by an increase in temperature. The frequency of local reactions (pain in the injection area, redness, hardness) with the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines is reduced to 3-5%. Among their rare side effects headache and temperature rise.

How the body reacts to the introduction of serum depends on several factors:

general health;
quality of the drug used;
correctness of doctors' actions.

After vaccination

There are several rules, the implementation of which will help the baby’s body tolerate vaccination more easily and prevent unpleasant consequences. In the first days after it, the injection site should not be exposed to external influence. You should stop using cosmetics or medicinal compositions, which can cause skin irritation.

It is better to minimize the baby’s contacts with the outside world. It is advisable to avoid visiting places where many people gather. This will reduce the risk of catching ARVI and reduce the burden on the immune system weakened after vaccination.

When a post-vaccination reaction occurs, you need to provide the child with the most comfortable conditions possible. He should be at rest and drink plenty of fluids. If there is a significant increase in body temperature, you can take an antipyretic drug.

Cost of the procedure

If vaccination is carried out on a paid basis, parents will have to buy the vaccine themselves. Its cost ranges from 250-7000 rubles. It is affected by 3 conditions:

the type of bacteria against which the serum is aimed at developing immunity;
drug manufacturer;
its dosage.

To purchase the vaccine, you will need to present a prescription. The total cost of the procedure in private medical institution The cost of examination and injection will also be included.

In Russia, parents decide whether to vaccinate their baby against meningitis. In many countries around the world, children are vaccinated against this dangerous disease without fail. The procedure is also recommended by WHO.

The vaccine is favored by its high effectiveness, good tolerability, and absence of complications. The use of serum against Haemophilus influenzae in combination with anti-pneumococcal vaccines increases the baby’s immunity to many bacteria, causing diseases upper respiratory tract. This may be a solution for parents of frequently ill children.

When deciding on a vaccination, which no other method can protect against meningitis more reliably, you need to think carefully about its advantages and possible risks. It is important to consider how healthy the baby is and in what conditions he lives. Before vaccination and if you have any doubts or questions, you should consult the doctor who is seeing the child.