Quick Facts on MENINGOCOCCAL-A VACCINE: PART 2

The previous blog post on the Menningococcal A Vaccince was a concise summary of the disease it protects against, which is the Menningococcal Disease.

Mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, and complications of this diseases were highlighted including preventive tips.

Click here to read previousblog-Part-1

https://sightmedical.blogspot.com/2020/01/quick-facts-on-meningococcal-vaccine.html?m=1

Furthermore, there are essential information to be aware of which are stated in this blog post. In summary, it includes reactions to the Vaccince and key messages that parents/caregivers ought to be aware of.

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

This refers to any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine.

Types of AEFIs include;

1) NONSERIOUS AEFI: This type of AEFI is a reaction that is not serious. It usually causes mild fever of about 38°C, Soreness and pain at injection site.

Nonserious AEFI associated with Menningococcal A Vaccine includes; Fever, Headache, Pruritus, Rashes, Urticaria, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Irritability, Persistent cry and Loss of appetite.

2) SERIOUS AEFI: It is life threatening, can cause congenital abnormalities, birth defect and death . Serious AEFI due to Men A Vaccination is extremely rare, it includes;

 Hospitalization or prolonging of existing hospitalization e.g. seizure.

 Persistent or significant disability e.g. paralysis

 Convulsion

 Syncope (Fainting)

Dizziness

 Anaphylaxis

Key Messages to Parents/Caregiver

Regarding Immunization, as a parent/caregiver irrespective of gender, one should be able to;

1) Know the following about the vaccine about to be administered to your child:

 Name of the vaccine
 Site of administration
 Mode of action
 Next appointment ( where necessary)
 Side effect of the vaccine

2) Come with the immunization card every immunization day for proper documentation of vaccines and next appointment.

3) Ensure the immunization cards are kept from oil stains and water, it was be kept intact and dry.

4) When your child is immunized, check if the health worker indicated the date it was given beside the vaccine on the immunization card.

5) If the place of vaccination is a mobile clinic or your child was immunized in a campaign programme, ensure to ask about the venue of next appointment.

6) After immunization, if there is any bleeding, you will be given a cotton wool by the health provider to press the site. DO NOT RUB

This is to prevent rapid absorption of the vaccine into the body which cancels the good effect of the immunization.

7) Parents and caregivers are to wait at least 10minutes to ensure there is no reaction after vaccination.

8) Immunization is very important and necessary for children in order to prevent them from catstrophic diseases.

9) It is important to have a thermometer in order to monitor the temperature of one’s child after Immunization.

Questions and comments are welcome on SightMedical Blog

Share with friends and family.

Have a great day.