Often associated with childhood, Meningococcal Meningitis can affect everyone. The risk of the disease is in its rapid evolution, which can lead to death within 24 hours. But do you know that it can be prevented through vaccination?
The MenACWY vaccine is made available by SUS free of charge to adolescents aged 11 and 12 and protects against 4 groups of the bacteria that cause the disease. As for babies aged 3, 5 and 12 months, a range that is also at greater risk, the SUS provides the vaccine against group C. The MenACWY vaccine is also available in private clinics for babies and other age groups.
The Brazilian societies of Pediatrics (SBP) and of Immunizations (SBIm) recommend the routine use of this vaccine for children and adolescents. If it is impossible to use the ACWY vaccine, the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine should be used.
Routine vaccination should start at 3 months of age with two doses in the first year of life (depending on package insert recommendations) and boosters between 12 and 15 months, between 5 and 6 years and at 11 years of age. For adolescents who have never received the meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine, two doses five years apart are recommended.
For adults it is a single dose and depends on the epidemiological risk or health condition.
With it, we can help keep Meningococcal Meningitis away!
Vaccines save lives, be sure to look for information about it.