As a parent, the safety and health of your child is always a top priority. That’s why you may be wondering if your two-month-old baby should receive vaccinations against meningococcus. To answer this question, we first need to understand what meningococcal bacterial disease is.
Meningococcus is a bacteria that causes two severe conditions: meningitis and septicemia, both of which have a high risk of death. Even if patients recover from these conditions, about 20% of them may suffer long-term effects such as amputation, deafness, blindness, or psychological disorders.
Meningococcal bacteria come in different serogroups, with group B being common in Vietnam. Children under 1 year old, especially those under 5 months old, have the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease because their immune systems are not fully developed yet. Additionally, children in communities with a high rate of asymptomatic carriers are at risk of contracting the disease because they are too young to receive many vaccinations.
It’s important to note that cases of group B meningococcus have been recorded in children under 1 year old in Vietnam, leading to severe consequences like amputations or death. Vaccination against group B meningococcus can significantly reduce the number of cases each year. In Vietnam, there are two types of vaccines available for meningococcus that offer protection to different age groups.
As your baby approaches his second birthday, it’s advisable to consider vaccination against meningococcus to protect him early on. Consulting with a vaccination doctor to create an optimal schedule for your baby would be a proactive step towards prevention and ensuring his health and safety as he grows up.