Meningitis Vaccination
There are several kinds of meningitis – viral and bacterial. All types of meningitis affect the meninges, or, the protective membrane surrounding the brain. Some types of meningitis can lead to sepsis or blood poisoning which can lead to many complications from loss of limbs to death. For meningitis vaccinations in Northolt or Streatham you can book in with Touchwood Pharmacy.
There are vaccines now available to offer protection against the five groups of meningococcal bacteria which can cause meningitis and sepsis: A, B, C, W and Y. It iis important to note that Meningitis vaccine age can vary.
Meningococcal group B (MenB):
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For babies at 2,4, and 12 months old.
Meningococcal group C (Men C):
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Combined with Hib for infants at 12-13 months
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV):
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Protects against 13 strains
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Offered to babies at 12 weeks and 12 -13 months (born after 1 Jan 2020)
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPV):
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Protects against 23 strains
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For aged 65 and over
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Limited time protection
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Not effective in children over 2
Haemophilus influenza (Hib):
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Combined vaccine (dip,tet,polio,pertussis,hep b) offered to babies at 2, 3 and 4 months.
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Different combined vaccine (Hib/Men C) offered to infants at 12 -13 months
MMR
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Offered at 12-13 months and again around 4 years old
BCG
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Protects against tuberculosis (TB)
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Offered to babies, young children and those most at risk
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Also offered to health workers who have been exposed to TB
MenACWY for travel
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Protects against meningococcal types A, C, W or Y
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These types are more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa or Saudi Arabia and can be used for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, for example
As with any infection, it is important to recognize the early signs of meningitis. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a medical professional for a diagnosis for meningitis. Treatments for meningitis range from antibiotics to hospital admission. Here are some early symptoms:
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Fever
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Headache
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Muscle Pain
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Stomach Cramps
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Fever with Cold Hands and Feet
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Drowsy, floppy or unresponsive (babies/infants)
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Rapid breathing or grunting (babies/infants)
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Pale, blotchy skin or spots/rash (babies/infants & children)
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Bulging or tense fontanelle, or soft spot (babies/infants)
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Seizures/convulsions (babies/infants & children)
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Reactivity to bright lights (babies/infants & children)
Touchwood Pharmacy offers the meningitis vaccination in Streatham and in Northolt. If you suspect your child may have contracted meningitis then you should seek urgent medical advice without delay. Our website explains more about how to spot the telltale signs of meningitis and www.touchwoodpharmacy.com
