Definition: The term "Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, and Y Vaccine" refers to a series of three vaccines that are recommended for use by healthcare providers and children ages 3 to 6 years old.
1.
Group A:
This is the primary vaccine that provides immunity against four strains of meningococcal bacteria known as Type 1, 2, 3, and 4. The vaccine has a high degree of efficacy against all the types of meningococcal infections.
- Definition: The vaccine protects against two strains of meningococcal bacteria (Type 1a and Type 1b) that cause the most severe forms of bacterial meningitis.
- Common side effects: Some children may experience mild or moderate reactions to the vaccine, such as swelling at the injection site, redness, and itching. Rarely, a minor allergic reaction can occur.
2.
Group B:
This vaccine is recommended for use only if you have received Group A vaccine from your healthcare provider.
- Definition: The vaccine protects against one strain of meningococcal bacteria (Type 3a) that causes the most severe forms of bacterial meningitis.
- Common side effects: Some children may experience mild or moderate reactions to the vaccine, such as swelling at the injection site, redness, and itching. Rarely, a minor allergic reaction can occur.
3.
Group C:
This is recommended for use in people who have received three doses of the Group A vaccine.
- Definition: The vaccine protects against one strain of meningococcal bacteria (Type 5a) that causes the most severe forms of bacterial meningitis.
- Common side effects: Some children may experience mild or moderate reactions to the vaccine, such as swelling at the injection site, redness, and itching. Rarely, a minor allergic reaction can occur.
4.
Group W:
This is recommended for use in people who have received two doses of the Group A vaccine.
- Definition: The vaccine protects against one strain of meningococcal bacteria (Type 6a) that causes the most severe forms of bacterial meningitis.
- Common side effects: Some children may experience mild or moderate reactions to the vaccine, such as swelling at the injection site, redness, and itching. Rarely, a minor allergic reaction can occur.
5.
Group Y:
This vaccine is recommended for use only in people who have received four doses of the Group A vaccine.
- Definition: The vaccine protects against all four strains of meningococcal bacteria (Type 1a, Type 2a, Type 3a, and Type 4a) that cause most severe forms of bacterial meningitis. This is because it provides complete protection from meningococcal infections in the body.
- Common side effects: Some children may experience mild or moderate reactions to the vaccine, such as swelling at the injection site, redness, and itching. Rarely, a minor allergic reaction can occur.
These vaccines are commonly given as part of routine childhood vaccinations, which includes the meningococcal vaccine in children ages 3 months through 5 years old, and the typhoid vaccine in children ages 6 to 18 months.
Please note that vaccination is not foolproof and any adverse effects may occur. If you experience serious reactions after receiving a meningococcal vaccine, your healthcare provider should be consulted immediately.
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