What is the name of the vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease? Is there a meningitis vaccine? An infectious disease specialist tells in detail about meningitis and ways to prevent it. Where is meningitis vaccination given?

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that, in the absence of timely medical care, can lead to the death of the patient. The disease mainly develops in people with a weakened immune system: children, the elderly, HIV-infected, cancer patients. Therefore, many parents are interested in whether it is possible to protect the child from this disease. At present, the meningitis vaccine is the only reliable method of preventing infection. It is worth considering in more detail the features of vaccination, how necessary it is.

Why is meningitis dangerous?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord of an infectious origin. The disease is characterized by rapid development - in the absence of medical care, the patient may lose sight and hearing within a day. The cause of meningitis is the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, pneumococcus into the brain with blood. In newborns, the causative agent of infection can also be E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus.

Important! Meningitis in 60% of cases is of a viral nature, in such cases, the infectious process is provoked by Coxsackie or ECHO viruses.

Source of disease

The source of infection are sick people who have clinically pronounced signs of the disease, and carriers of the pathogen. How to identify infected patients and carriers of meningococcal disease? People who secrete meningococcus can usually be detected during a mass examination of the focus of infection, during the taking of smears from the nasopharyngeal mucosa as part of professional examinations. It is impossible to clinically determine the carrier of meningococcal infection, because the person does not have any signs of the disease.

Important! The risk of contracting meningitis in patients who have had meningitis or been vaccinated is 0.1%.

Symptoms and danger of the disease

The first symptoms of meningitis are similar to the common cold, which makes it difficult to diagnose. An infectious disease leads to an increase in body temperature, the development of a sharp headache, vomiting and nausea. In some cases, a hemorrhagic rash appears on the skin.

The danger of meningitis lies in the possibility of developing cerebral edema and secondary encephalitis (infection of brain tissue). As a result, meningoencephalitis develops, which is characterized by severe neurological symptoms. It persists for a long time after recovery, often becoming the cause of the patient's disability.

However, the greatest danger is a brain abscess that occurs as a result of secondary bacterial meningitis against the background of pathologies of the upper respiratory tract (sinusitis, otitis media, sinusitis). Pathology provokes the development of cerebral edema, displacement of median structures. Therefore, patients need not only medical treatment, but also surgical intervention.

Who needs immunization?

Infectious disease is more common in childhood, due to the imperfection of the immune system. Meningitis is diagnosed in adults against the background of immunodeficiency states: the elderly, HIV-infected, on the background of chemotherapy. Therefore, vaccination against meningitis is indicated for such groups of patients:

• Children who were born prematurely;
• Children and adults who have frequent seasonal respiratory infections;
• Children under 2 years of age;
• Families with more than 1 child;
• Children who have been artificially or mixed-fed since birth;
• Patients with advanced dental pathologies;
• The presence of recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis in history;
• Medical staff and laboratory staff;
• Children who regularly attend children's groups (kindergarten, early development groups, dances);
• Patients with severe immunodeficiency states (HIV-infected, cancer patients);
• Conscripts and students who will live in the hostel;
• People with severe cardiovascular pathologies;
• Travelers and tourists who go to regions with a high probability of infection;
• Patients who have had their spleen removed or have anatomical defects in the skull;
• People who have been in contact with infected patients or carriers of meningococcal disease, Haemophilus influenzae.

Important! Vaccination against meningitis in children helps reduce the risk of developing acute respiratory infections. Therefore, vaccination is indicated for frequently ill babies.

On the territory of many developed countries, vaccination against meningitis has become mandatory, which has made it possible to almost completely overcome the infection. Vaccination against meningitis is not included in the National Vaccination Schedule in Russia due to the high cost of vaccine preparations. Therefore, free immunization of the population is carried out only in such cases:

• The development of an epidemic, when the incidence rate exceeds 20 patients per 100 thousand people;
• If a child is found in the team who is suspected of having meningitis. In this case, vaccination against meningitis is necessary for children who are in contact with him;
• The patient lives in a region with a high incidence of disease;
• A child with severe immunodeficiency.

In other cases, parents and patients must independently purchase vaccine preparations in the pharmacy network.

Features of vaccination

The following features of immunoprophylaxis are distinguished:

• Haemophilus influenzae is characterized by a severe course, complications often develop. Suffer from Haemophilus influenzae mainly children 5-6 years of age. The effectiveness of the vaccine preparation reaches 95%, revaccination leads to an exponential increase in the number of antibodies;
• Pneumococci cause meningitis in children under 2 years of age and in patients over 65 years of age. The disease is often combined with pneumonia. Mass immunoprophylaxis can reduce the risk of infection by 80%;
• The development of meningococcal infection is observed mainly in infants under 1 year of age. The causative agent is meningococcus types A, B, C, W-135, Y. Vaccination against meningococcal infection helps to form an immune response in 90% of cases, the duration of which varies from 2 to 10 years.

Types of Vaccines

There is no single vaccine against all meningitis pathogens. This is due to the characteristics of bacteria and viruses that trigger the infectious process.

Vaccines against meningococci

Vaccine preparations help to cope with meningococci of the group A, C, W-135, Y. The following vaccines are allowed in Russia:

• Russian-made meningococcal vaccine. Allows protection against meningococcal serotypes A and C, but does not prevent the development of purulent meningococcal infection. Allowed to use from 1.5 years, after 3 years revaccination is required;
• Meningo A + C French production. The drug prevents the development of cerebrospinal meningitis. Widely used in adults and children over 1.5 years of age;
• Mencevax ACWY (Belgium). The drug reduces the risk of developing meningococcal infection caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y. It is allowed to use for vaccination of children over 2 years of age and adults;
• Menactra (USA). Vaccination allows you to create immunity to pathogens that are included in serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 in children older than 2 years and adults under 55 years of age.

Vaccines against meningococcal infection are produced in the form of a dry substance, which should be diluted immediately before administration with a solvent. The drug is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

The vaccine preparation ACT-HIB, approved in Russia, will help prevent the development of hemophilic infection. It is created on the basis of particles of the cell wall of the pathogen. The vaccine is produced in the form of a lyophilizate - a dry powder. Immediately before administration, the drug is diluted with a solvent or other vaccine preparation. Quite often, Tetracoccus is used, which is aimed at creating immunity in a child to whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and tetanus.

The meningitis vaccine is given intramuscularly in the thigh or upper arm. The drug is well tolerated, allows you to reliably protect against hemophilic infection.

Vaccines for pneumococcal meningitis

In our country, the following vaccine preparations are widely used:

• Pneumo 23 (France). The vaccine is given to children after 2 years, allows you to create immunity for 10 years;
• Prevenar 13. The drug is used in children from 2 months to 5 years of age. For lifelong immunity, 4 injections are enough. Vaccinations are given free of charge to children who are among the frequently ill.

Vaccination Schedule

Newborns who are breastfed are protected from Haemophilus influenzae infection due to antibodies that come with mother's milk. Therefore, vaccinations against meningitis are carried out in children older than 3 months. In this case, the following immunization schemes are used

• If vaccination is started at 3 months, then 3 vaccinations are indicated with an interval of 1.5 months. Revaccination is carried out at 1.5 years. Injections are usually combined with the introduction of the DTP vaccine, Tetracoccus;
• If the start of vaccination occurs at 6 months, then 2 vaccinations with an interval of 1.5 months are sufficient. Revaccination is carried out 12 months after the last injection;
• For children after a year and people with immunodeficiency, the vaccine is administered once.

The Prevenar vaccine is administered to a child according to the following scheme:

• 3 months;
• 4.5 months;
• 6 months;
• Revaccination at 1.5 years.

The vaccine preparation Pneumo-23 is administered once to a child older than 2 years.

When is vaccination contraindicated?

Vaccination against meningitis is carried out not only for healthy people, but also for patients who have a mild form of the disease. However, vaccination should be abandoned in the following situations:

• Acute infectious diseases that are accompanied by elevated body temperature;
• Exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
• The presence of allergic reactions to other vaccine preparations.

Possible adverse reactions

Meningitis vaccines are usually well tolerated. However, in some patients, vaccination provokes the following side effects:

• Weakness;
• Redness at the injection site, the development of painful swelling;
• Fever in rare cases;
• Severe allergies, accompanied by swelling of the oral cavity, shortness of breath, tachycardia, shortness of breath, pale skin, urticaria;
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases is possible.

Most adverse reactions do not require special drug therapy. However, with the development of allergies, the patient needs to take an antihistamine drug, with severe symptoms, it is necessary to call an ambulance.

Features of the prevention of meningitis in the focus of infection

On the territory of Russia, school-age children are recommended a single injection of immunoglobulin to prevent meningitis. The injection must be done within a week after contact with a sick or carrier of the infection. To prevent the occurrence of secondary meningitis, it is recommended that the child be vaccinated within 5 days after contact with infected people.

• Refuse to swim in unknown water bodies;
• Avoid large crowds;
• Wash hands with soap before eating, after walking, traveling by public transport;
• Regularly carry out wet cleaning in the premises;
• Use only high-quality drinking water;
• Conduct a thorough processing of products before use.

Do children need vaccinations?

Parents should decide for themselves whether their child needs to be vaccinated. To make the right choice, you need to consider:

• If someone from the environment of the child fell ill with meningitis, then the risk of infection of the baby can reach 95%;
• In countries with mandatory immunization, it has been possible to almost completely eliminate the development of meningitis;
• Vaccines are highly effective and well tolerated;
• Vaccination is required before traveling to dangerous meningitis areas;
• The first symptoms of meningitis can resemble a common cold, so it can be difficult to recognize the infection in a timely manner.

It is up to each parent to decide whether their child needs meningitis vaccination. On the territory of Russia, the vaccination was not included in the calendar of routine vaccination. Therefore, parents need to buy the vaccine preparation on their own. The World Health Organization recommends that all children be immunized. This will reliably protect the child from a deadly infection.

Meningococcal disease is a disease in which multiplying bacteria can lead to serious illness. 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 shell of the brain. This form of the disease can be purulent or serous.

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

Secondary meningitis affects the airways, oropharynx, ears, or salivary glands. Symptoms of diseases such as pneumonia or intestinal infection may occur. Then the bacteria penetrate the lymph and blood, causing inflammation of the brain. Secondary meningitis is caused by staphylococci, streptococci, E. 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 frequent. Therefore, vaccination against meningococcal infection became relevant. It was a real epidemic. But thanks to vaccinations, it gradually faded away. And now this disease is not so common. For example, in 2000, there were 8 infected per 100,000 Russians.

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

What causes meningococcal infection?

The causative agent of meningococcal infection is the bacterium Neisseria meningitides. The disease can take several forms. Most often in the form of the Pathogen (Vekselbaum meningococcus) is a gram-negative diplococcus. It does not have capsules and flagella, is inactive. Does not form a dispute. The optimum temperature for bacterial growth is 37 degrees.

Where is meningococcal infection found?

Meningococcal disease exists in all countries. But the highest incidence is in Central and West Africa. On the territory of Russia, small foci of infection broke out several times. Therefore, vaccination against meningococcal infection is necessary so that the disease does not take the form of an epidemic.

Complications of meningitis

The disease is quite dangerous. If the vaccine against infection is not done on time, then serious complications can occur. Often they lead to death. If meningitis is not treated in time, it can lead to disability. Complications are of several types:

What are the vaccines?

In Russia, to prevent the disease, the foreign vaccine against meningococcal infection "Meningo A + C" is most often used. Or domestic A and C. The vaccine, which contains W-135 and Y, is given only to pilgrims leaving for Mecca. Group B meningococci are 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, a meningococcal vaccine is given. The name may be different, since the vaccine was created far from alone: ​​Akt-Khib, Hiberix, Tetr-Akt-Khib, Pentaxim and a number of others. You can get them mostly for free, in almost any city clinic. True, some are sold only for money and can be very 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. All the rest wishing - on a paid basis. These vaccinations reduce the risk of not only meningitis, but also a number of other diseases (sepsis, pneumonia, etc.).

When and what vaccinations are given?

The most commonly used vaccines 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 older than one year, group C - only up to two years of age. Vaccination is done only once.

Are there meningitis vaccines for babies?

Work is underway on vaccines for infants. Although serotype C vaccinations have already proven themselves well. Thanks to this vaccine, the incidence of meningitis is reduced by 76%. In children under two years of age - by 90%. Currently, work is underway on combination vaccines, which should contain 4 serotypes of meningococcus. You should consult your doctor before getting vaccinated. You should not choose a vaccine for a child on your own, without consulting a specialist.

Are meningococcal vaccines necessary?

Vaccination against meningococcal infection is done not only for the sake of prevention, but also in the event of epidemics. Usually the A+C vaccine is used, which is administered at the risk of an epidemic. The entire population that lives in dangerous proximity to the focus of the infection is vaccinated. But the epidemic threshold in any country is different. If the number of cases exceeds a certain set figure, 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 him, they are made to children older than two years of age, adolescents and adults with a focus of meningococcal infection, which is caused by bacteria of serogroups A and C.

As well as people at increased risk of infection. Primary school students living in boarding schools and orphanages, in family hostels. The same applies to children from dysfunctional families where sanitary and hygienic conditions are violated. Since meningitis can get sick even from unwashed hands or fruits. Therefore, the creation of combined vaccines, especially for infants, is necessary.

Polysaccharide vaccines

As mentioned above, the A + C vaccinations are mainly used for vaccination. There is some hyperemia and soreness at the injection site (usually in 5% of those vaccinated). Somewhat less often, an elevated temperature occurs, which normalizes within 1.5 days. With some vaccines, it does not occur at all. Maximum - redness at the injection site. Vaccines are contraindicated only in people suffering from chronic diseases, or with allergies to the components contained in them.

Do I need a meningococcal vaccine?

Russia introduced compulsory vaccination against meningitis several years ago. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae. It can cause more than just meningitis. And 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 given according to standard medical vaccination schedules at the same time as DTP. Modern vaccines contain a component of Hib infection. Haemophilus influenzae, as scientists have found, can be of six types. Type B microbes are the most dangerous for humans. Vaccinations containing a component of this disease are mainly done in order to develop protective immunity.

Meningitis infection (Haemophilus influenzae) is very dangerous for children under 5 years of age. Then it makes no sense to vaccinate, since with age, immunity in people develops automatically. Although it is impossible to completely protect a person from meningitis. You can only significantly reduce the risk of catching it. Pneumococcus is also capable of causing various forms of meningitis. But there are vaccines for this microbe. The most dangerous bacteria that most often cause brain inflammation are called meningococci.

If there is contact with a sick person

Vaccinations are essential to prevent meningitis. 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 - 3 ml of the 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 done 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, vaccines are prescribed for everyone who has had contact with sick people. Vaccination is carried out within 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 vaccination of "Ceftriaxone" at 200 mg is done. These vaccinations have an excellent effect not only as well as on those who have been in contact with patients with meningococcal infection. Secondary meningitis may occur within a month. To avoid this, in the first 5 days after contact with a sick person, it is necessary to be vaccinated to prevent infection.

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease characterized by a complex course, and a fatal outcome is not ruled out if I receive medical assistance in time. Most often, the disease affects people with weak immunity, including children, the elderly, cancer patients, and carriers of HIV infection. Not surprisingly, many parents wonder if the meningitis vaccine is as effective as it is claimed to be. In this article, we will talk in detail about what the meningitis vaccine is for children, its pros and cons, what they are, and who can and cannot do it.

Meningococcal infection can be caused by any pathogen, be it a virus, fungi or bacteria. Symptoms of the disease can be caused even by a severe head injury.

There are three pathogens to be wary of:

• meningococci - slightly more than 50% of cases;
• Haemophilus influenzae type b - observed in 39% of patients;
• pneumococci - about 2%.

To prevent the above pathogens from causing primary and secondary severe purulent meningitis, they are vaccinated against meningitis. Primary meningitis is considered the most dangerous, in which it immediately flows from the site of localization (nose or pharynx) to the brain, easily overcoming the blood-brain barrier and provoking an inflammatory process.

The primary symptoms of meningitis are similar to the common cold, which makes diagnosing the disease much more difficult. After infection, the body temperature rises, there is a sharp headache, nausea and even vomiting. In some cases, a hemorrhagic rash forms on the skin.

If a meningitis vaccine for children is not given on time, this can cause cerebral edema, as well as the transformation of the disease into secondary encephalitis. As a result, meningoencephalitis appears, accompanied by neurological symptoms. They can last a very long period of time after recovery, which often leads to disability of the patient.

The highest danger is a brain abscess that appears as a result of secondary bacterial meningitis that occurs due to anomalies of the ENT organs. Such processes stimulate the development of cerebral edema, which will require not only drug therapy, but also an operation.

Such arguments should also dampen the debate about whether to get the meningitis vaccine.

Vaccination schedule and ways of administering the vaccine

Infants during breastfeeding are not susceptible to hemophilic infection, because the necessary antibodies enter their body along with mother's milk. Therefore, up to a year, babies begin to be vaccinated after 3 months, in accordance with the vaccination scheme.

The number of vaccinations given depends on the age at which the first one is given.

If the first vaccination is done at 3 months, then a total of three vaccinations will be needed with an interval of one and a half months. Revaccination will be required in a year and a half. In this case, injections are often combined with the DPT and Tetracoccus vaccine.

If the first injection was made at 6 months, then only 2 vaccinations will be needed every one and a half months. The vaccine is valid for a certain time, so revaccination will need to be done after 1 year.

Children over the age of one year, as well as people suffering from immunodeficiency, are vaccinated once.

Using the Prevenar vaccine as an example, the vaccination schedule will be as follows: at 3, 4.5, 6 months, and revaccination at 18 months.

If Pneumo-23 was chosen as the vaccine, then the injection is given once to a child who has reached the age of 2 years.

The meningitis vaccine is given in the thigh or shoulder muscle. The drug has good tolerance, while it is able to provide a reliable barrier against hemophilic infection.

Where is meningitis vaccination given?

In a large number of civilized countries, vaccination against meningitis is mandatory, which made it possible to almost completely get rid of the infection. According to the National Vaccination Calendar of the Russian Federation, due to its high cost, vaccination against meningitis is not mandatory.

In this regard, free vaccinations against meningitis are given only in a number of the following cases:

• During an epidemic, when for every 100,000 people there is at least a fifth of the diseased.
• If a child staying in a team is suspected of having meningitis. In this case, all children who are in contact with this child must be vaccinated.
• If the permanent place of residence of the patient is in a region characterized by a high degree of morbidity.
• The child was diagnosed with severe immunodeficiency.

In all other circumstances, parents or patients are responsible for purchasing the vaccine themselves.

Types of Vaccines

When trying to find a particular meningitis vaccine on the Internet, many may encounter a variety of them. The most common are: Menactra, Prevenar, Acwy, Meningo and others. A single vaccine that can protect against any meningitis has not yet been developed. Even the meningococcal vaccine is not capable of this.

Those who wish to protect themselves against all pathogens should vaccinate themselves with three vaccines:

• meningococcal;
• hemophilic;
• pneumococcal.

Vaccines against meningococci

Vaccination against meningococcal infection is A, C, W-135, Y subgroups, among which you can buy in Russia:

• Meningococcal vaccine (manufactured in Russia). Provides protection against meningococcal infection of serotypes A and C, but does not save from purulent meningococcal infection. It is allowed to apply from 1.5 years, while after 3 years revaccination will be needed.
• Meningo A + C (country of production - France). Protects the body from damage by cerebrospinal meningitis. Popular among adults and children after 1.5 years of age.
• Mencevax ACWY (made in Belgium). The vaccine reduces the chance of occurrence of meningococcal infection provoked by meningococci of serogroups A, C, W, Y. The drug can be vaccinated adults, as well as children who have reached 2 years of age.
• Menactra (imported from USA). Vaccination makes it possible to create immunity to pathogens of the serogroup A, C, Y and W-135. It is allowed to vaccinate children from 2 years old, as well as adults up to 55 years old.

Vaccinations are sold in dry form, which are mixed with a liquid before injection. The introduction is carried out under the skin, or intramuscularly.

Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

The ACT and Hib vaccination, which is allowed in the Russian Federation, can prevent the body from becoming infected with Haemophilus influenzae.

The meningitis vaccine a consists of fragments of the walls of the pathogen, is sold in the form of a powder. Right before the introduction of the meningitis vaccine, it is combined with the required vaccine liquid component. Quite popular is Tetracoccus, created to develop the immune system in babies to whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and tetanus.

This vaccination is also done intramuscularly in the thigh or shoulder. The drug does not cause complications and provides reliable protection for hemophilic infection.

Vaccines for pneumococcal meningitis

In Russia, such a vaccination against otitis media, meningitis and pneumonia can be carried out:

• Pneumo 23 (French production). This meningitis and pneumonia vaccine can be given to children over 2 years of age to build a strong immune system for 10 years.
• Prevenar 13. Such vaccinations, after which meningococcal infection will not be terrible, are prescribed for children from 2 months to 5 years. To develop immunity for life, you will need to make 4 injections. Children on the list of frequently ill children can receive the vaccine free of charge.

Possible adverse reactions

Generally, the meningitis vaccine is well tolerated. However, in some patients after the injection, the following side effects may occur:

1. Malaise.
2. The appearance of painful swelling and redness at the injection site.
3. Very rarely - fever.
4. Acute allergic reaction along with swelling of the mouth, shortness of breath, tachycardia, shortness of breath, hives and pale skin.
5. Exacerbation of chronic diseases is not ruled out.

In most cases, meningococcal vaccination does not cause such negative manifestations that could not be solved by drug treatment. However, if an allergy occurs, the patient should use antihistamines, and if the symptoms become more pronounced, an ambulance may need to be called.

Who should be vaccinated

In general, vaccinations against meningitis for children are carried out only according to epidemic indications - this is prescribed by the order of the Ministry of Health of Russia No. 51n of January 31, 2011. This means that vaccination against meningococcus is not included in the list of mandatory vaccinations. According to regulatory documents, the need for vaccination arises only in places where outbreaks of the disease are registered.

However, there are a number of exceptions to the general rules:

• If the parents have shown a desire to vaccinate the baby at their own expense.
• In cases of deterioration of the epidemiological situation - if more than 20 cases per 100,000 children are registered, then universal immunization is carried out.
• If there is a suspicion of meningitis, the entire staff of the children's institution, which has been in contact with the child for the next 5-10 days, is subject to vaccination. As a rule, vaccinations are given to all children aged 1 to 8 years who live near an infected person.
• All children who live in regions with an unfavorable epidemiological situation, or if they plan to move to such areas, are subject to immunization.
• All children of preschool age (1.5-2 years), if they attend a nursery, are required to be vaccinated against meningitis.
• Children with immunodeficiency are subject to mandatory vaccination against meningitis.

The question of the optimal age for meningitis vaccination remains open, since there are different opinions. A number of pediatricians say that up to 2 years of stable immunity from meningitis, the vaccine will not be able to provide. Therefore, if it was nevertheless done, then it needs to be repeated 3 months after the primary vaccination, and then vaccinated again at 3 years.

When vaccination is contraindicated

Vaccinations against meningitis are given to both healthy people and those who have a mild form of the disease.

Contraindications to vaccination are the following conditions:

• respiratory diseases in the acute stage, accompanied by high fever;
• allergic reaction to vaccination against other infections;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage.

To decide for yourself the question of the importance of immunization, you need to have a good idea of ​​how dangerous a meningitis infection is. Of great importance is the correct selection of the vaccine.

Meningitis: features of the disease

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

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

Vulnerable groups

In connection with the formation of the immune system. Rarely, outbreaks occur in immunocompromised adults. Vaccination of children and adults is not carried out according to the mandatory vaccination calendar. Collective immunization is organized during outbreaks of the disease and only where the focus of the epidemic is recorded.

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

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

Free vaccinations

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

On the territory of our country, in some cases, free vaccinations are organized. First, it happens during an epidemic. If the number of cases exceeds the permissible threshold (20 people per 100 thousand), vaccination becomes a mandatory procedure. Secondly, if there is a child in the children's group who is suspected of having meningitis, all other children are shown to be vaccinated. Within a maximum of 10 days, all children who have had contact with the patient are vaccinated. Thirdly, if the incidence rate is increased in the region, then a person living there can be vaccinated for free. Fourthly, if the child is severely immunodeficient, he is given a vaccination in accordance with the free vaccination plan.

The rest of the cases do not belong to the category of free, so the baby's parents or other categories of the population independently purchase the vaccine at the pharmacy.

Vaccination and its features

Preventive measures aimed at strengthening the immune system are distinguished by a number of features. The hemophilic variant of the disease is severe, and complications often occur against its background. Haemophilus influenzae type b makes children as young as 5-6 years of age vulnerable. Parents should keep in mind that the vaccine preparation allows you to get a 95 percent effect. If you re-vaccinate, then at the laboratory level you can observe a significant increase in antibodies.

Pneumococci are especially dangerous for children under the age of two, and for the elderly. In these age groups, meningitis is often diagnosed with 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 related

What is dangerous serous meningitis, how to avoid serious consequences

Meningococcal infection develops as a result of ingestion of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Infants under the age of one year 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, a single vaccine aimed at simultaneously protecting against all pathogens cannot be produced. There is a group of drugs aimed at producing antibodies against meningococci. Other drugs are working to create immunity against Haemophilus influenzae. Finally, pneumococcal vaccines are used.

meningococci

Vaccines against these bacteria give an immune response to serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y. The use of the following drugs is allowed in our country:

• Domestic mono A and divaccine A+C. They help the production of antibodies against groups A and C, but are powerless against purulent meningococcal infections. The vaccine can be used to vaccinate children who are one and a half years old. After three years, re-vaccination is necessary.
• Meningo A + C French production. The action of the drug helps prevent the occurrence of cerebrospinal variant of meningitis. The vaccine has become widespread among the adult population, recommended for children older than one and a half years.
• Mencevax ACWY Belgian production. 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 in adults and is given to children over two years of age.
• Menactra (made in the USA). Vaccination contributes to the formation of stable immunity to pathogens of all four serogroups. It is used in children over two years of age and in adults under 55 years of age.

Forms of release of preparations - lyophilisate (dry matter), which must be diluted with a solvent (sodium chloride) before inoculation itself. Vaccination is carried out subcutaneously, some drugs are administered intramuscularly. The well-known 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 is the type b stick. The basis of the drug are 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 inoculation.

As an alternative or addition to Act-HIB, a combined drug called Tetracoc is often used. This vaccine is directed against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio. Immunity created as a result of vaccination protects the child from these diseases, a complication of which can be meningitis.

pneumococci

In Russia, preparations for vaccination with the following names are widely used: Pneumo 23 (manufactured in France) and Prevenar 13 (USA). The first drug 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 for healthy categories of the population, but also for those sick people who have been diagnosed with a mild form of meningitis. But there are a number of cases when it is better not to vaccinate.

Content

This infectious disease is severe, resistant to antibiotics, can lead to serious complications or, in extreme cases, death. Since children's immunity is unable to resist meningitis, pathology is often diagnosed at an early age. A reliable preventive measure against meningococcus is vaccination.

What causes meningitis

Meningococcus is a dangerous infection that affects the lining of the brain. If treatment is not started on time, it is highly likely to lead to inflammation of the brain, which will cause the patient's disability, coma, or even death. In a healthy person, the brain has a natural defense, which is formed by membranes between the bloodstream and the organ. This barrier prevents the development of an immune response directed at the brain itself.

Meningitis affects the membrane of the organ, resulting in damage to the brain by bacteria and pathogens, and they are out of reach for the immune system, so they multiply freely. When eventually the human body begins to fight the pathogen, the problem often worsens. During the fight against infection, the blood vessels lose their density, allowing fluid, white blood cells, and other particles to enter the lining of the brain, worsening the symptoms of meningitis.

The disease can be caused by a type of bacterial infection, but the most common causative agent of meningitis is pneumococcus. Meningococcus is able to provoke outbreaks of pathology in closed groups: military barracks, dormitories, etc. Haemophilus influenzae can also cause infection with meningitis in adults or children, and in the latter the disease has been diagnosed much less frequently in recent years, which is associated with the popularization of infant vaccination.

Bacterial type meningitis occurs for various reasons. Often, the infection affects adults as a result of the active reproduction of pathogenic flora, which is already present in the oral cavity and nasopharynx. Bacteria enter the circulatory system and are then transported to the lining of the brain. In addition, meningitis can be triggered by an infection from the ears and sinuses. This serious disease often causes complications that affect not only the brain, but also the neck and head. In extreme cases, a patient with meningitis undergoes surgery.

Measures to prevent meningitis

Meningococcal vaccination is one of the most reliable preventive measures to prevent infection with meningitis. Compared to vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox, which are a mandatory measure for babies born in Russia, the meningitis vaccine is not included in the calendar of planned preventive measures. However, parents can, if they wish, have their child immunized by contacting a private clinic.

Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

This infection is transmitted by airborne or household routes, affecting the respiratory organs, and sometimes the central nervous system. It forms foci of inflammation throughout the body and more often spreads among children 4-6 years old. The infection can occur in the form of otitis, acute respiratory infections, meningitis, pneumonia, bronchitis or sepsis. It is difficult to treat the disease, because the pathogen is resistant to antibiotic therapy.

The Haemophilus influenzae vaccine is given in three doses. As a rule, the first procedure is carried out at the age of three months, the second - when the baby reaches 4-5 months, and the last vaccination can be done at six months. Revaccination in order to maintain the immunity formed to meningitis is carried out for a child at the age of 1.5 years. The vaccine is injected into the shoulder or anterolateral thigh zone (an injection is given to the smallest children in this place).

Pneumococcal vaccine for children

In Russia, the vaccine is given with one of two registered imported sera - Prevenar or Pneumo-23. Both drugs rarely cause complications or side effects and are considered very effective. However, vaccines differ in timing of administration. Thus, vaccination against pneumococcal infection for children Prevenar is indicated from 3 months, and Pneumo-23 is administered when the babies reach 2 years. According to the results of the study, the risk of getting pneumococcal meningitis is high before the age of 2 years, so Prevenar is preferred. Vaccination schedule with this drug:

• 3 months;
• 4.5 months;
• 6 months;
• 18 months (revaccination).

If the indicated vaccination periods are observed, a stable protection against meningitis is formed in a child under two years of age. Even if the baby becomes infected, the pathology will proceed easily, without giving complications, therefore, it is not worth refusing to vaccinate against pneumococcus, especially since the procedure does not cause a negative reaction from the child's body.

Meningococcal vaccine

It is known that meningococcal infection is the most common cause of the disease that causes purulent meningitis. Immunization serves not only as a preventive measure, but also prevents the onset of epidemics. The meningitis vaccine provides a person with long-term protection. In Russia, the meningococcal vaccine involves the use of certain drugs that are approved by the Ministry of Health. The meningococcal vaccine involves the use of one of the following sera:

1. Russian meningococcal vaccine. Promotes the formation of immunity to diseases of serogroup C and A. Serum does not protect against purulent meningitis. It is allowed to administer the drug to children from 1.5 years.
2. The French vaccine Meningo A, C. Provides immunization of a child against cerebrospinal meningitis provoked by meningococci of serogroup A and C. As in the case of the Russian vaccine, Meningo vaccination is allowed to be given no earlier than 18 months of age.
3. Belgian/British meningitis serum Mencevax. Helps form antibodies against meningococcal ACWY serogroups. Vaccination is allowed for adults and children from 2 years of age.
4. American vaccine Menactra. Designed to create antibodies against pathogens of ACWY serogroups. This vaccination is done at the age of 2 to 55 years.

How the vaccine works

Meningococci are a large group of bacteria, divided into several subgroups, including A, B, C, W, Y and others. Depending on what substances the vaccine contains, it helps to immunize the body against a specific type (or several types) of pathology. Often, meningitis in Russia is caused by group B bacteria, a safe and inexpensive serum against which has not yet been developed. However, epidemics of meningitis are mainly caused by type A meningococci, and in this case, the vaccine can save the life of the baby.

To protect the child from contracting meningitis through contact with a carrier of the infection, it is worth getting vaccinated in a timely manner. Immunity to bacteria is formed 14 days after vaccination. During the procedure, substances are introduced into the baby's body that provoke the production of antibodies by the immune system, which effectively suppress a live infection when it penetrates into the circulatory system.

Who should not get the meningococcal vaccine?

Before vaccination, you should carefully study the instructions attached to the drug, containing a list of contraindications. Do not administer the meningitis vaccine to children and adults with:

• high temperature due to infectious diseases;
• allergies to a previously administered portion of the vaccine;
• progressive chronic diseases.

Side effects of vaccination

Dr. Komarovsky claims that the reaction to the vaccine is due to several important factors:

• the general health of the child;
• the quality of the administered vaccine;
• the actions of the doctors performing the procedure.

The meningitis vaccine is generally well tolerated by people of all ages/genders, but the vaccination process can still be accompanied by certain adverse reactions. Sometimes after the injection there is redness and thickening of the skin, drowsiness appears, the body temperature rises slightly. As a rule, these symptoms disappear after 1-3 days.

What are the complications of the meningococcal vaccine?

Meningococcal vaccination is among the weakly reactogenic ones, since it rarely causes complications. Most children and adults safely tolerate the procedure, but in rare cases, such negative consequences of vaccination appear:

• the temperature rises;
• irritability appears;
• an allergic reaction occurs.

Price

The cost of the vaccine depends on the type of serum (hemophilic, pneumo-or meningococcal), production and dosage. As a rule, vaccination against meningitis is done in paid clinics with a drug purchased by parents on their own. Since it must be correctly selected and transported to the medical office, the total price of the procedure is high. Some state clinics buy Prevenar and vaccinate for free, but the serum runs out quickly and not all children have enough of it. The price of drugs for meningitis varies from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles.

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