Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected respiratory droplets (e.g. sneezing, coughing or kissing).1,2 The disease is life-threatening and can result in long-term complications.1,2 It is also known for its potential to cause outbreaks or epidemics, with the impact being greatest on babies.2
Babies under 12 months of age have the highest incidence of Meningococcal Meningitis infection.3
Meningococcal Meningitis is spread through close personal contact, which puts infants and children in daycare, pre-primary classes and play groups at high risk of contracting the disease2
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Back to topThe consequences of acquiring Meningococcal Meningitis can be devastating.1 This disease can be fatal.1 Early diagnosis is very important as a healthy child can die within 24 hours of the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, vomiting, skin rash – but these do not always appear in babies, until it’s too late to treat them).2,4
FOR SURVIVORS OF THIS DISEASE, THERE MAY BE LIFE-LONG CONSEQUENCES.1 THESE INCLUDE:
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Loss of limbs/amputation
Brain disorders
Hearing loss
PREVENTION IS CRITICAL
Back to topFACT: Meningococcal Meningitis is PREVENTABLE.1
FACT: BABIES are particularly vulnerable because of the relative immaturity of their immune systems.6
FACT: All healthy infants must be vaccinated with 2 doses of the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine before they are 2 years of age.1
FACT: The Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine is recommended for use in persons from 9 months of age.1
FACT: BABIES are particularly vulnerable because of the relative immaturity of their immune systems.6
FACT: All healthy infants must be vaccinated with 2 doses of the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine before they are 2 years of age.1
FACT: The Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine is recommended for use in persons from 9 months of age.1
Protect your baby with the right dose of the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine, at the right time1
To fully protect your baby, they must receive 2 doses of the vaccine between the ages of 9 to 23 months.1 Delaying a second dose when recommended means your infant will not be optimally protected.5,6,7
FACT: Vaccination is a successful intervention for preventing Meningococcal Meningitis and the devastating effects it can have on your baby5
Protect your baby 2-day with 2 doses under 2-years!
Always consult your healthcare provider for any questions about Meningococcal Meningitis and/or vaccination.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and is spread from person-to-person via exposure to infected ....
