Getting a meningitis shot is important. If undiscovered, symptoms usually appear in the form of a headache, stiffness in the neck, and fever. However, even though getting a meningitis shot can prevent the acute inflammation, that doesn’t mean it’s the right route for everyone.
As a matter of fact, there are certain factors that play into whether someone can get a certain meningitis shot or not, such as age or health conditions. For these reasons, it is crucial that before getting a certain meningitis shot, an individual discusses their options with their doctor. A health professional will be able to determine what the best course of treatment is.
Without further adieu, here are 3 types of people who shouldn’t get a meningitis shot.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Meningitis Shot?
1. Women who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Unless the individual is at a serious risk of serogroup A, C, W, or Y, or serogroup B, doctors don’t usually give pregnant or breastfeeding women a meningitis shot. If, however, the individual is at risk of the above mentioned, meningococcal conjugate vaccines and serogroup B meningococcal vaccines will be given. However, this will only happen after speaking with a doctor, and after the individual decides the benefits of the meningitis shot outweigh the risk of the meningitis shot.
2. An Individual with a Severe Allergy
If you have had an allergic reaction after getting a meningitis shot in the past, it is not recommended that you get another dose of that vaccine. Make sure you speak with your doctor about the ingredients in the meningitis shot.
Meanwhile, people that should get a meningitis shot are kids, preteens, and teenagers. There are certain vaccines best suited to children, however. Children may need to get multiple shots, especially if their first meningitis shot occurred around the ages of 13 to 15.
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Posted on May 5, 2023