Meningitis can be caused by different microorganisms, so there are vaccines that help prevent meningococcal meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis from serogroups A, B, C, W-135 and Y, pneumococcal meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Some of these vaccines are already included in the national vaccination plan, such as the pentavalent vaccine, Pneumo10 and MeningoC. See the vaccines included in the national vaccination calendar.
It is important to always consult the pediatrician who can guide the type of vaccine and the stages of vaccination against meningitis for children according to age.
Main vaccines against meningitis
To combat the different types of meningitis, the following vaccines are indicated:
1. Meningococcal C vaccine
The meningococcal C vaccine, called MenC vaccine, is indicated for active immunization of children over 2 months of age, adolescents and adults for the prevention of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.
This vaccine is provided free of charge through the National Immunization Program (PNI).
How to take:
For children aged between 2 months and 1 year, the recommended dosage is two doses, the first dose at 3 months of age and the second dose at 5 months. In addition, a booster dose should be given between 12 and 15 months.
For children over 12 months of age, adolescents and adults, the recommended dosage is a single dose.
If the child received the complete two-dose vaccination up to 12 months of age, it is recommended that, when he is older, he receives another dose of the vaccine, that is, he receives a booster dose.
2. Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
This vaccine is indicated for the active immunization of children 6 weeks of age or older or adults against invasive meningococcal diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y. This vaccine can be found under the trade name Nimenrix.
How to take:
For infants aged between 6 and 12 weeks, the vaccination schedule consists of administering 2 doses, at the 2nd and 4th months, followed by a booster dose at 12 months of age.
For children over 12 months of age, adolescents and adults, a single dose of 0.5 mL should be given, and in some cases the doctor may recommend that a booster be given.
3. Meningococcal B vaccine
The meningococcal B vaccine is indicated to help protect children over the age of 2 months and adults up to 50 years of age against diseases caused by group B Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, such as meningitis and sepsis. This vaccine may also be known under the trade name Bexsero.
How to take:
- Babies between 2 and 5 months of age: 3 doses of vaccine are recommended, with intervals of 2 months between doses. In addition, a booster should be given between 12 and 15 months of age, after an interval of at least 6 months after the second dose. If the booster dose is postponed by the doctor, this dose can be administered up to 24 months;
- Babies between 6 and 11 months: 2 doses with intervals of 2 months between doses are recommended, and a booster should also be given between 12 and 24 months of age, with an interval of at least 2 months after the second dose;
- Children between 12 months and 23 years of age: 2 doses, with a 2 month interval between doses, and a booster dose given 12 to 23 months after the second dose are recommended;
- Children between 2 and 10 years of age: adolescents and adults, 2 doses are recommended, with an interval of 2 months between doses;
- Adolescents from 11 years of age and adults: 2 doses are recommended, with an interval of 1 month between doses.
There are no laboratory recommendations for Bexsero for use in adults over 50 years of age.
4. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine, is indicated to prevent infections caused by the S. pneumoniae bacteria, responsible for causing serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis or septicemia, for example, in children aged 6 weeks to 5 years of age.
This vaccine is provided free of charge through the National Immunization Program (PNI).
How to take:
- Babies 6 weeks to 6 months of age: three doses, the first being given, in general, at 2 months of age, with an interval of at least one month between doses. A booster dose at least six months after the last dose is recommended;
- Babies from 7 to 11 months of age: two doses, with an interval of at least 1 month between doses. A booster dose is recommended by the doctor in the second year of life, with an interval of at least 2 months after the second dose;
- Children from 12 to 5 years of age: two doses of 0.5 mL, with an interval of at least 2 months between doses.
5. Conjugated vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae b
This vaccine is indicated for children between 2 months and 5 years of age to prevent infections caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b, such as meningitis, septicemia, cellulitis, arthritis, epiglottitis or pneumonia, for example. This vaccine does not protect against infections caused by other types of Haemophilus influenzae or against other types of meningitis.
How to take:
- Children aged 2 to 6 months: three doses 1 or 2 months apart, followed by a booster 1 year after the third dose;
- Children aged between 6 and 12 months: two doses 1 or 2 months apart, followed by a booster 1 year after the second dose;
- Children from 1 to 5 years of age: Single dose.
When not to get these vaccines
These vaccines are contraindicated when there are symptoms of fever or signs of inflammation or for patients with allergies to any of the components of the formula.
Also, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
