The fear of vaccines is not just about covid but is common to other diseases. A fear that risks making some terrible infectious diseases such as invasive bacterial diseases come back to the fore which can be prevented with a specific vaccine; especially meningitis. “They are very serious acute infectious diseases that cause inflammation of the meninges – explains Rocco Russo, Outpatient Pediatrician at the ASL of Benevento -. The meninges are sheaths that surround the spinal cord and the brain which, when affected by inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, can create very serious damage and irreparable consequences even for the child “.
There are various bacteria that cause meningitis, and some are more dangerous. “Among these bacteria is the meningococcus, of which we recognize about 12 serogroups – continues Russo -. The most harmful to the population are those of the ACWY group and that of type B which together cause the majority of infections in the entire population. Meningitis can affect all age groups but the most effective tool to protect yourself is vaccination along with a healthy lifestyle, especially for adolescents, who avoid the use of smoking and respect certain hygiene rules ” .
Thus reaffirmed the importance of prevention in the context of “Pre-Occupiamoci della meningitis”, an editorial project to raise awareness on the risks associated with meningitis, conceived and promoted by the Adnkronos Group with the non-conditioning support of Gsk Italia. “Given that vaccination can be carried out in any age group, the National Vaccine Plan provides in some regions the possibility of vaccinating at the thirteenth month not only for type C meningococcus – explains the expert – but also for ACWY together with measles. , mumps, rubella and chickenpox and then do another booster dose in the 11-18 year old range along with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio vaccine. In particular, as regards meningococcus B, since the incidence is particularly significant in the first months of life, it is important to have the vaccination as soon as possible according to the indications of the National Vaccine Plan. Finally, we have another age group at risk, which is adolescence, where we record a second peak of incidence. Also in this case it is obviously of fundamental importance to protect adolescents with the vaccine against meningococcus B “.
Meningitis has a particularly subtle onset especially in younger children with very nuanced manifestations and symptoms. “Symptoms range from low-grade fever to then manifest themselves more prominently, such as high fever and neck pain, neck stiffness, headache, vomiting, drowsiness and, in younger children, an anterior swelling of the bregmatic fontanel. All symptoms that it is important for the parent to keep under observation in order to contact their pediatrician promptly, who in turn will assess the need to implement all the urgent interventions aimed at protecting the child’s health “.
But what is precisely the role of the pediatrician in the dialogue with parents on these issues? “The pediatrician has a fundamental role that guides parents in making a choice that must above all be free and aware – replies Russo -. Many parents find it unnecessary to vaccinate their children for a particular strain, as they are unaware of the very serious damage it can cause. This is why it is essential to get information correctly, through a good relationship with your pediatrician and above all, even when you want to consult the internet, it is essential to go to institutional sites such as those of the Ministry of Health, the Italian Society of Paediatrics (Sip) or other associations. who work in the area and disseminate information also through social channels “.
All this to overcome the fears of parents and reassure them about vaccinations. “First of all, the fear is that the vaccine could trigger adverse reactions or some meningitis-like manifestations. This is absolutely not the case, these are safe and effective vaccines, tested internationally – concludes the expert -. Many children in the world every day every hour every minute are saved from meningitis thanks to the vaccine.
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