Protecting Your Newborn: Vaccination against Meningococcus in Vietnam

As a mother, I am concerned about the health and well-being of my baby who is almost two months old. One question that has been on my mind is whether he should be vaccinated against meningococcus. To answer this question, it’s important to first understand what meningococcal bacterial disease is and its potential risks.

Meningococcal bacterial disease is a severe condition that can cause two life-threatening illnesses – meningitis and septicemia. Even if patients recover from these conditions, about 20% of them may suffer long-term effects such as amputation, deafness, blindness, or psychological disorders.

Meningococcus bacteria have different serogroups, with group B being common in Vietnam. Studies have shown that children under 1 year old, especially those under 5 months, are at the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease because their immune systems are not fully developed. Additionally, children in communities with a high rate of asymptomatic carriers are also at risk of contracting the disease.

It’s worth noting that cases of group B meningococcus have been recorded in children under 1 year old in Vietnam, leading to severe consequences like amputations or death. Vaccination against group B meningococcus can significantly reduce the number of cases each year.

In Vietnam, there are two types of vaccines available for meningococcus that offer protection to different age groups. Given that your baby is almost two months old, it would be advisable to consider vaccination against meningococcus to protect him early on. Consulting with a vaccination doctor to create an optimal schedule for your baby would be a proactive step towards prevention.

By taking this step early on, you can help ensure your baby’s health and well-being for years to come.