Meningococcal Vaccines for Children: Care Instructions

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Overview

There are three vaccines that protect against the common strains of meningococcal (say "muh-nin-juh-KAW-kul") bacteria.

  • The MenACWY vaccine (also called the meningococcal conjugate vaccine) protects against four common strains.
  • The MenABCWY vaccine (also called the meningococcal pentavalent vaccine) protects against five common strains.
  • The MenB vaccine protects against one common strain. This is recommended only for certain people.

Either the MenACWY or the MenABCWY vaccine is recommended for all children and young adults and some other people at high risk for meningococcal disease.

The MenB vaccine is recommended for certain people who got the MenACWY vaccine. College students who plan to live in dormitories are one group that might want to get it. Your doctor may also recommend it if your child has certain health problems or takes certain medicines. The doctor also may recommend it depending on where you live or travel.

Talk to your doctor about your vaccine choices.

All meningococcal vaccines protect your child against a type of bacteria that causes meningitis and blood infections (sepsis).

  • Your child's doctor can recommend which meningococcal vaccine to get and when your child should get it.
  • Teens and young adults who haven't had these shots should get them as soon as possible.

The shot may cause pain in the area where the shot is given. It may also cause a fever.

Children at high risk

There are some children who are at a higher risk than others to get meningitis and have severe problems from it. These children may need a series of vaccines before the age of 11 or 12. This includes children who have certain immune system problems or have a damaged or missing spleen. It also includes children who live in or will travel to areas of the world where the disease is common. Ask your doctor about the number and timing of doses. Ask if your child needs booster doses.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or for pain at the shot area. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
  • Do not give a child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • Your child has a seizure.
  • Your child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
    • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
    • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
    • Trouble breathing.
    • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
    • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
    • A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
    • Itching.
    • Swelling.
    • Mild belly pain or nausea.
  • Your child has a high fever.
  • Your child cries for 3 hours or more within 2 to 3 days after getting the shot.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter M612 in the search box to learn more about "Meningococcal Vaccines for Children: Care Instructions".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.