Reactions to Meningococcal (Bacterial Meningitis) Vaccines

Addressing Meningitis Vaccine Allergic Reactions

A certain age and health condition expose people to a severe allergic reaction. As such, some people should not get the vaccine or should wait before getting a shot.

Inform your healthcare provider about the following health concerns before you or your child gets the vaccine:

Your or your child had a severe allergy or a life-threatening allergic reaction

The doctor will most likely recommend you avoid getting another vaccine if you have a life-threatening reaction to the vaccine. They may also advise you against taking the vaccination if you have a severe reaction to any ingredient of the immunization.

If you or your child is unwell

You can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness like a cold. However, a doctor may advise you against the vaccine until you recover from a moderate or severe illness.

If you’re in the pregnancy or breastfeeding stage

Pregnant or breastfeeding women at risk of developing meningococcal disease should get vaccinated. However, they should always consult their health provider in deciding whether the risks outweigh the benefits.

In some instances, people faint after specific medical procedures, including vaccinations. It is, therefore, recommended to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccinations to prevent fainting and fall injuries.

More importantly, alert your health provider if you feel ringing in your ears, feel dizzy, or have vision changes.

Duration of Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects

Most mild or moderate side effects from MenACWY vaccines will last one to three days. You can still obtain a vaccine if you have a minor illness like a cold. However, if you are severely sick, you should wait, as this can make the side effects last longer or worsen. Mild or moderate side effects from MenB vaccines can last three to five days. Side effects from either vaccine should go away within a week if they worsen or continue after this time, inform your doctor.

You should seek medical assistance immediately if you suffer from a severe side effect. While it is rare, teens are more likely to have side effects from MenB vaccinations. This is compared to other vaccines given to preteens and teens. If the patient suffers a severe allergic reaction like facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, hives, dizziness, or weakness, then you should call 911 immediately. These symptoms will not go away independently and require immediate medical attention. A hospitalization may also mean you need assistance from a national vaccine injury attorney.

Assessing the Efficacy and Worth of the Meningitis Vaccine

Meningococcal vaccines are recommended to protect children and others from bacteria that can cause infections in the meningitis or bloodstream. It can be life-threatening if left untreated. MenACWY projects against four strains, with MenB protecting against the fifth strain. The biggest cons of getting this vaccine is the potential side effects. If you experience an adverse side effect, it can cost you your life. You can also suffer permanent disease. If this happens, you could be eligible for compensation. Speak to our national vaccine injury attorneys from Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates.

Contraindications and Precautions for Meningitis Vaccination

While vaccines can be helpful for some, they can be detrimental to others. Any person with a severe allergic reaction to a previous meningitis vaccine should not receive an additional dose. Additionally, if a person suffers from a severe allergy to specific vaccine components, they should avoid these vaccines. It is ill-advised to take the vaccine if you have a moderate or severe acute illness. However, some providers may deem the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor and stop administration if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Pregnant women should take special considerations when contemplating this vaccine. You should not get the vaccine if you:

• Have life-threatening allergies
• Had a severe allergic reaction to a MenACWY vaccine
• Anyone under ten years of age
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a latex allergy

You can find additional information on reasons you should avoid getting the meningitis vaccine here. If you suffer adverse side effects, report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. They monitor for early warning signs of vaccine safety issues. Also, discuss your legal options with our nationwide vaccine injury attorney.

Long-Term Effects and Safety Profile of Meningitis Vaccines

Mild side effects are common with these vaccines. Severe allergic reactions are rare but also possible. In the worst cases, serious injury and death can happen after taking the vaccine. Additionally, there have been reports that the vaccines have led to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The CDC cites their studies stating no correlation between vaccination and GBS syndrome. Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates help clients nationwide who suffer adverse vaccine reactions.

The Relationship Between Meningitis Vaccines and Autoimmune Diseases

The National Institute of Health has not found a correlation between the vaccine and autoimmune disease. However, chronic meningitis can lead to a range of symptoms and diseases like lupus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, and Behcet disease. While the CDC and other government agencies do not find these correlations, other agencies suspect the meningitis vaccine can cause autoimmune disorders like:

• Brachial neuritis
• Encephalopathy
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Pheumota arthritis
• Transverse myelitis

If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions after a meningitis vaccine, you should speak to our national vaccine injury lawyer today.

Meningitis Vaccines and Long-Term Side Effects

While the meningitis vaccine is linked to mild side effects, severe allergic reactions, serious injury, and cases of death are rare. There are also reports that the meningitis vaccine can cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome(GBS); however, extensive studies from the CDC concluded no link between the syndrome and immunization.