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What is Meningitis?
Meninges are the vital membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is a viral infection that causes these membranes to get inflamed and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
The meningococcal bacteria is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is different from invasive Meningococcal disease, which is caused by one specific type of bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis. Although anyone can contract meningitis, children under 1-year-old are at higher risk of the disease than older children. Given the disease's severity, the meningitis vaccine is one of the most common vaccines in the US.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends young children and young adults receive the meningitis vaccine at 11-12 years old. They also recommend a booster dose at the age of 16 to support their immune response to meningitis. In the United States, there various licensed and FDA approved Meningitis vaccines that protect from meningitis and meningococcal disease, including:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4 Vaccine)
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 Vaccine)
- Serogroup B. meningococcal vaccine (menb vaccine)
These meningococcal vaccinations against viral meningitis underwent clinical trials for efficacy. Meningitis is so severe that colleges often require proof of vaccination in students. This requirement prevents a meningococcal infection outbreak in close contact of groups of older children and young adults. Meningococcal vaccine dangers are a reality, read on to learn more.
Meningitis Vaccine Reaction Symptoms
Does the meningitis shot hurt? About 50% of individuals who receive the vaccine report feeling soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site; fatigue (tiredness); headache; muscle or joint pain; fever; body chills; nausea; and diarrhea. Less common side effects may include difficulty with moving, hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing or swallowing, hives, paleness, dizziness, and fainting.
How long do Meningitis vaccine side effects last?
Meningitis vaccine side effects usually last a few days, but in rare cases, they may persist for up to a week. Most people can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest. Serious side effects are uncommon. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms after receiving the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Severe Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects
If you're experiencing a meningitis vaccine allergic reaction, other reactions, or your condition is lingering or worsening, it could be a sign of a meningitis vaccine injury. It's rare, but the meningitis vaccine can cause severe adverse reactions and injuries. Unfortunately, an increasing number of injuries have been linked to the meningitis shot.
The dangers of the meningococcal vaccines can differ. The most common vaccine injury the meningitis vaccine can cause is a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). This adverse reaction occurs when the healthcare provider administers the vaccine improperly.
Signs that you may have a SIRVA injury include…
- Bursitis - joint pain or stiff joint
- Tendonitis - pain in the tendon that gets worse when you move
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) - stiffness and pain in the shoulder that prevents you from moving your arm
- Rotator Cuff Injury - dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Ulnar Neuropathy - arm numbness or burning feeling in the hand, arm, or finger
Check out our SIRVA page to learn more about how SIRVA is diagnosed and treated. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to receive care. SIRVA could result in permanent disability. Aside from SIRVA, other rare Meningitis shot reactions include an allergic reaction, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or brain damage.
If you or your young children are experiencing severe allergic reactions after receiving the meningitis vaccine, call 911 immediately. Signs include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness.
