Kids are prone to certain diseases and illnesses including meningitis. According to reports, 3 out of 100,000 people in the United Stated is diagnosed to have meningitis every year. For parents, it is important to have the necessary vaccine to protect their babies against the different strains of this disease. In a way, it can help a lot to prevent worse health risks. How much is a meningitis shot?
What’s Meningitis?
Babies due to their weak immune system are prone to various diseases and illnesses. One of which is meningitis B. This is a bacterial infection that would usually affect young babies in particular infant under 1 year old.
Meningitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of meninges which serve as part of the central
nervous system. There are different causes of meningitis according to studies. It is caused by parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses or even specific organisms. Research also shows that weak immune system can cause bacterial meningitis.
Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may manifest in their babies. Some of the symptoms may include cold hands and feet, confusion and high fever. Your baby may also experience headache and vomiting. Another known symptom of this medical condition is a rash. It may start as few small spots in any body part. Eventually, it spreads and may look like bruises. This occurs as blood leaks into the tissue. The rashes may fade, but they come back again. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, consult a doctor right away.
Symptoms of meningitis may vary depending on the age of your child. For babies, would experience having a high pitched voice. They are difficult to wake. There will also be times when your baby does not like to eat. Observe the breathing pattern as one of the symptoms is rapid and difficulty of breathing. Red and purple shots may also appear.
For older kids, you must watch out for symptoms like having a stiff neck and severe pain in the back and joints. Your kid may also experience terrible headache accompanied by rapid breathing, shivering and does not like bright lights.
Is the meningitis B vaccine effective?
Considering that parents would have to shoulder the meningitis shot cost, many would ask as to whether this vaccine can provide complete protection against meningitis to your child. There are actually various MenB strains and this particular vaccine is specifically created to provide protection against meningitis. To date, medical experts continue to conduct research in order to increase the protection that it can give. There are other vaccines that are created to protect other kinds of septicaemia as well as meningitis. However, there is no all in one vaccine that will protect your child against all kinds so it helps that parents are familiar with signs and symptoms.
This vaccine is created and developed to give protection against any type of Men B disease strain. However, it is not that guarantee complete protection against all strains. Over the past years, vaccines have prevented various types of meningitis. Many studies would show how these vaccines were able to prevent thousands of cases which save lives and can reduce health risks.
How about any side effects? Infants age less than 2 years old may experience some adverse reactions. For instance, they may experience swelling and tenderness. There are also kids that may experience irritability. This explains as to why it is adviseable to use paracetamol for your kid.
Active Ingredients Used
For this type of vaccine, it uses different ingredients. For one it may contain alumimum hydroxide. This particular ingredient used to improve the quality of the vaccine. It may also have antibiotics like stremptomycin, polymixin B and neomycin which have anti-bacterial properties and can reduce the risk of bacterial contaminations. The vaccine may also contain sugar which acts as a stabilizer.
Meningitis Shot Cost
This specific vaccine is offered for free at NHS for infants born after May 1, 2015. However, if your baby is not qualified then you have the option to but the vaccine privately. How much is a meningitis shot?
The meningitis shot cost may vary depending on some factors. For instance, insurance is one factor that affects the price. If it is not covered by any health insurance,the vaccine would cost you around $100 to $150 for one shot. It would also vary depending on the facility where you intend to have the vaccination. The good thing is that in the United States, meningitis vaccine is covered by most health insurance providers. If your insurance policy covers the vaccine, then the usual cost would only include a copay for the meningitis vaccination or a doctor visit copay. You may also incur additional costs. For instance, you may need a booster shot which is needed 3 to 10 years depending on the type of vaccinations used on you. If you do not have an insurance that covers this vaccine, there are low cost shots available.
Getting A Meningitis Vaccine
There are two different kinds of vaccine available. Between the two, it is highly recommended to have the Menactra vaccine because experts say that it last longer. This particular vaccine can last up to 10 years. The other option is the Menomune which can last for three years.
Treatment for Meningitis
Viral meningitis does not usually require medical treatment. But if you are experiencing severe meningitis, you need to see a doctor right away. Bacterial meningitis may require you to stay at the hospital and undergo treatment where you will be asked to take antibiotics through injection, corticosteroids and sedatives. You may also have to undergo blood tests, oxygen therapy and fluid control.