Meningitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the up to 2,600 people who contract meningococcal disease annually in the United States die from complications caused by this bacterial infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment with one of the two available meningitis vaccines, called MCV4 and MPSV4, can help limit the risk of a person developing meningitis. People should be aware of the potential problems with the meningitis vaccines before receiving this immunization.
Anaphylactic Reaction
People who are hypersensitive to any of the components of a meningitis vaccine can experience a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction can result in breathing difficulties, heart rate irregularities, facial swelling, hives, hoarseness, weakness, pale skin or dizziness, the Florida Institute of Technology warns. If a hypersensitive person is improperly administered a meningitis vaccine by a medical professional, anaphylactic reaction symptoms can arise in as little as a few minutes. Affected people require emergency medical attention to prevent further complications.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Certain people, especially those with a family history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, can develop nerve problems following treatment with a meningitis vaccine. Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or GBS for short, is a progressive disorder that affects the nerves throughout a person's body. People with GBS can experience symptoms of weakness, trouble walking, poor bladder or bowel control, difficulty speaking or uncomfortable back pain, MayoClinic.com reports. This severe side effect of treatment occurs very infrequently, but affected people should seek immediate medical care.
Adverse Side Effects
Adverse side effects are a potential problem associated with meningitis vaccine treatment. A painful skin reaction at the injection site can occur and may persist for up to two days following patient immunization. The skin surrounding the vaccination site may also appear red or inflamed. Injection site adverse effects occur more commonly in people who receive MCV4 instead of MPSV4, the CDC warns. Additionally, certain people can develop a mild fever, which may lead to head pain, sweating, flushed skin or chills. If injection site pain or fever symptoms become severe or do not subside within one to two days, affected patients should consult a medical professional.
References
- Florida Institute of Technology: Meningococcal Vaccine - What You Need to Know
- University of Wisconsin Owens Point:: Meningococcal Vaccine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningococcal Vaccine - What You Need to Know
- National Meningitis Association: Meningitis Vaccine - Prevention
- MayoClinic.com: Guillain-Barré Syndrome
