Vaccines that protect against meningitis

Meningitis can be caused by different microorganisms and, therefore, there are vaccines that help prevent meningococcal meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis of serogroups A, B, C, W-135 and Y, pneumococcal meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Some of these vaccines are already included in the national vaccination plan, such as the pentavalent vaccine, Pneumo10 and MeningoC. See the vaccines included in the national vaccination calendar.

It is important to always consult a pediatrician who can advise on the type of vaccine and the phases of vaccination against meningitis for children according to their age.

Main vaccines against meningitis

The main vaccines that protect against meningitis are:

1. Meningococcal C vaccine

The meningococcal C vaccine, called MenC vaccine, is indicated for the immunization of children from 3 months of age, adolescents and adults for the prevention of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis to serogroup C.

How to drink:

• For children from 3 months: Two doses are recommended, the first being applied at 3 months of age and the second at 5 months. In addition, 3 booster doses are indicated, one between 12 and 15 months, another between 5 and 6 years and another between 11 and 12 years of age;
• For children and adolescents aged 10 to 19: If they did not receive the vaccine in childhood, 2 doses are recommended, 5 years apart. However, if they have taken at least one dose before the age of 10, a booster dose is recommended at the age of 11 or with an interval of at least 5 years after the last dose;
• Between 20 and 59 years of age: Only one dose is recommended and its indication depends on the epidemiological situation.

This vaccine is generally provided free of charge in the National Immunization Program (PNI) by basic health units up to 5 years of age.

2. ACWY meningococcal vaccine

The ACWY meningococcal vaccine is recommended for the immunization of children from 2 months of age, however, the age at which vaccination begins and the vaccine application schedule may vary according to the manufacturer.

This vaccine is different from meningococcal C, because it provides greater protection, being effective against Neisseria meningitidis of serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y. Therefore, the ACWY meningococcal vaccine is normally preferred, including to be applied instead of boosters of the meningococcal C vaccine.

How to drink:

• For children from 3 months: Application recommendations vary depending on the vaccine manufacturer, with a minimum interval of 2 months between doses. According to the Brazilian Society of Immunizations, the recommendation is 1 dose at 3 months and the 2nd dose at 5 months, with 1 booster dose between 12 and 15 months, between 5 and 6 years and between 11 and 14 years;
• Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old: If they have never received the vaccine, they can receive 2 doses with an interval of 5 years between them. For children who received the vaccine in childhood, a booster dose is recommended at age 11 or five years after the last dose;

The ACWY meningococcal vaccine is available free of charge in basic health units in Brazil only for adolescents between 11 and 14 years of age.

3. Meningococcal B vaccine

The meningococcal B vaccine is indicated to help protect children over 2 months of age and adults up to 59 years of age, against diseases caused by the group B Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

How to drink:

• For babies from 2 months of age 2 doses of the vaccine are recommended, the first at 3 months and the second at 5 months, in addition to a booster dose between 12 and 15 months;
• For children between 10 and 19 years old: 2 doses, with a minimum interval of 1 month in the case of the Bexsero vaccine, or 6 months in the case of the Trumenba vaccine;
• For adults ages 20 to 59: The indication for this vaccine depends on the epidemiological situation. Normally, 2 doses are recommended at least 1 month apart for the Bexsero vaccine or 6 months for the Trumenba vaccine.

There are no recommendations for administering this vaccine to adults aged 60 and over.

4. 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is generally indicated for children up to 5 years of age to prevent infections caused by the bacteria. S. pneumoniae of 10 different serotypes and is the one that is normally available free of charge in basic health units.

How to drink:

• For children up to 5 years old Two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended, one at 2 months and another at 5 months, followed by a booster at 12 months of age.

5. 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

This vaccine is also recommended for children up to 5 years of age to prevent infections caused by the bacteria. S. pneumoniaehowever, provides greater protection than the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, because it includes protection against 3 additional serotypes.

How to drink:

• For children up to 5 years old 3 doses are generally recommended in the first year of life, and a booster dose between 12 and 15 months.

Although this vaccine is generally preferred over the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, it is only available in private vaccination clinics.

6. Conjugated vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae b

This vaccine is recommended for children between 2 months and 5 years of age to prevent infections caused by the bacteria. Haemophilus influenzae type b, such as meningitis, epiglottitis or pneumonia, for example.

How to drink:

• For children from 2 months of age 3 doses are generally indicated, which are applied at 2, 4 and 6 months. Additionally, a booster may be indicated between 12 and 18 months of age.

Currently, protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b is provided through the pentavalent vaccine in the PNI, being found in basic health units in Brazil and provided free of charge.

When not to get the meningitis vaccine

These vaccines are contraindicated when there are symptoms of fever or signs of inflammation or for patients with allergies to any of the components of the formula. Furthermore, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.