Meningitis is a very dangerous disease that infects the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused either by a virus or bacteria. There are vaccinations available to help protect you against the viral form of the disease. There are some minor side effects that you may experience following your vaccination.
Site Complications
You may experience redness, soreness or inflammation at the site of injection. This is a very common side effect. To reduce swelling, you may use a cold compress on the area. You may also use Tylenol or Motrin to relieve any soreness or pain.
Fever and Headache
Some people may experience a mild fever and headache following vaccination. This may last for a couple of days. You also can treat these symptoms with Tylenol or Motrin. In the event that your fever or headache persists past a few days or continues to worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Allergic Reaction
A very rare yet serious side effect of the meningitis vaccination is an allergic reaction. You should not receive this vaccine if you are allergic to latex, as it is used in the rubber stopper on the vial. There may also be an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome after vaccination. This is a syndrome of extreme muscle paralysis that may affect your lungs. If you experience shortness of breath, light-headedness, seizures or numbness of your extremities, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Member Comments