Travel Vaccines
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Meningococcal Meningitis
Facts
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
The extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa stretches from Senegal in the West to Ethiopia in the east.
Group A meningococcus accounts for the majority of cases of meningococcal meningitis in the meningitis belt.
Respiratory
Person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from someone infected with N. meningitidis, or their possessions.
Close and prolonged contact such as:
● Kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone.
● Living in close quarters, such as a dormitory, or sharing eating/drinking utensils with an infected person.
It is believed that 10-20% of the population carry the bacteria in their throat at any given time.
Symptoms
Stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, vomiting
Severe case
Brain damage, blood poisoning, hearing loss, rash, amputation, a learning disability in 10-20% of survivors, death.
Prevention
Precautions against meningococcal meningitis, including good hygiene measures, safe eating and drinking habits and vaccination, should be considered.
-Regular and thorough hand hygiene.
-Minimize contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
-Avoid sharing personal items such as eating/drinking utensils and toothbrushes.
Vaccine
Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine
( Nimenrix, Menactra, Menveoo )
All travelers travelling to the Meningitis belt in Africa are recommended to be immunized with the vaccine. Wondering whether the meningococcal vaccine is needed for your trip to Africa? Call us today and we would be more than happy to help you.
Meningococcal vaccine for Hajj Pilgrimage
The Meningococcal vaccine covering covers the A, C, Y, and W135. The Saudi Arabian Ministry made the vaccine mandatory and requires proof of vaccination (against quadrivalent ACWY strains of meningitis on a valid International Certificate of Vaccination) in order to issue visas to to Hajj or Umrah. Additionally, Hajjis must receive their meningococcal conjugate vaccination no more than 5 years before arrival. Travelling to Saudi Arabia and need to receive the meningitis vaccine with proof of vaccination for your visa entry?, Call us today to come in and have the vaccine administered for you.
Meningococcal Vaccine for College and University Students
The Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for students entering college or university. Recent reports have shown that college/university students are at slightly higher risk for meningococcal disease as a result of the close proximity the students are in when in confined areas. Some American and European colleges/universities require vaccination for meningococcal ACWY ( Nimenrix, Menactra, Menveo ) before attending. The American Center for Disease Control recommends that all first-year college students living in residence halls receive a booster of the vaccination if they received it before their 16th birthday.
Some college campuses have reported outbreaks of the B strain of meningococcal in recent years. Incoming college and university students may choose to vaccinate themselves against meningococcal B (Men-B). Please note that vaccinations against meningococcal ACWY do not induce protection against meningococcal B.
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