Meningitis B is an infection caused due to meningococcal group-B bacteria. There are more than 100 deaths per year due to this infection. Today, a new vaccine called Bexsero is available in London that can provide around 90 percent protection against Meningitis B. The disease affects two month old babies to children under five.
Meningitis B
It is a bacterial infection that can affect your child due to your little carelessness. However, there are cases of teenagers and adults getting affected by this bacterium. This disease is treatable but can cause death in 1 of 10 cases. It attacks the protective membranes around the spinal cord and brain. Blood poisoning, brain damage and even death can occur if it is left untreated. The cost of Meningitis b vaccine in private clinics might be higher than government clinics.
Bexsero provides an all round protection against this bacterium. It is not a fatal disease and can be treated with the help of antibiotics. Early detection is the major reason why most of the children are fully recovered. However, there are some cases who survive with long term problems like deafness, epilepsy, and learning difficulties.
Symptoms found in Teenagers and Adults
- Vomiting
- Fever with cold feet and hands
- Drowsiness
- Muscle pain
- Blotchy and pale skin
- Severe headache
- Photophobia or sensitivity to the exposure of light
- Stiff neck
- Seizures or convulsions
- Rapid breathing
- High pitched cry in most infants
- Bulging spot on forehead
Home Testing Procedure to Detect Meningitis B
Press a clear glass tightly against the rash on skin. If the rash does not fade it is a clear sign of meningococcal septicaemia. A person suffering from this infection may have small rashes that later develops into purple bruising.
Procedure of giving this Vaccine
- It is given in the form of an injection.
- Immunisation process takes around fifteen minutes.
- Kids aged 1 to 10 years need 2 doses of vaccine at an interval of 2 month.
- Adolescents aged above 11 and adults need 2 doses of this vaccine with at least 1 month interval.
This vaccine is relatively new and the quantities of boosters needed are still unknown. It is advisable for kids below 2 years to take boosters when they begin their course. Compare the success rate and cost of meningitis b vaccine at different private clinics in London before taking your child for the vaccination.
Effects and Side-effects of Meningitis B Vaccine
This vaccine provides protection against majority of the stains and symptoms of the disease.
Although this is a boon for your child, it also has some temporary side-effects on your little kid. The most common side-effects of this vaccine are seen in infants and children. The area around the injection site swells up and some develop high fever.
This vaccine is provided alongside the other routine vaccines through NHS child immunisation program available. The cost of Meningitis b vaccine might differ in various private clinics in London. You can go through website or book an appointment at Medical Express Clinic to know more about the vaccine.
