A young mother from Soc Trang, Thanh Liem, has raised concerns about vaccinating her child against meningococcus at just two months old. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand the severity of meningococcal bacterial disease and its potential consequences on the health of young children.
Meningococcal disease can lead to severe conditions like meningitis and septicemia, with a high risk of death. Even if patients survive, they may experience long-term effects such as amputation, deafness, blindness, or psychological disorders. Children under one year old are at the highest risk for this disease, especially those under five months old due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
Vaccination is a proactive way to prevent meningococcal disease and its associated burdens. Vietnam has seen cases of group B meningococcus in children under one year old leading to severe consequences like amputation or death. Vaccination against meningococcal bacteria can significantly reduce the number of cases each year as demonstrated in extensive research conducted in the UK, Italy, and Portugal.
Two types of vaccines are available in Vietnam for group B meningococcus – one that can be administered as early as two months of age. These vaccines can be combined with other necessary injections without overloading the child’s immune system. It is recommended that parents consult with a vaccination doctor to determine the best vaccination schedule for optimal protection given that their child is about to turn two months old.
In summary, it is crucial for parents to understand the risks associated with meningococcus and take proactive measures such as vaccination to protect their children’s health. With proper administration and adherence to recommended schedules, vaccines can provide up to 95% protection against this potentially deadly disease.
