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My child had 3 meningitis injections and still got meningitis - why?.
A
The Meningococcal group C vaccine
or Men C vaccine protects against one type of bacteria that can cause meningitis
and septicaemia (infection in the blood). Thus, the men c vaccine does not protect
against meningitis caused by other bacteria or by viruses. Therefore it is likely
that your child had another form of meningitis.
Three doses are given of the Men C vaccine to make sure that
your child's body can develop a good immune response to the disease. The schedule
is planned in such a way as to ensure there is a gap between the different doses
which means the vaccine has time to work and boost your Childs immunity each
time.
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges – the linings
that surround and protect the brain. Meningitis can be caused by many different
bugs, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. So it is difficult to get a vaccine
at present to prevent all forms of meningitis. The list below of signs and symptoms
of meningitis and what to look out for may help.
Signs and symptoms
- The signs and symptoms
can be similar colds and flu.
- Early symptoms can include
fever (that is a temperature over 37.5 degrees C), headache, feeling sick
or being sick, and muscle pain or stiff neck, cold hands and feet.
- Later stages of the
disease your child may get a rash that does not fade under pressure. This
rash may begin as a few small spots anywhere on the body and can spread quickly
to look like fresh bruises this is a sign meningococcal septicaemia or blood
poisoning.
Always contact your GP or
A&E Department urgently if you think your child could have these symptoms.
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