Is it safe to give the meningococcal vaccine to 2-month-old infants?

My child is approaching 2 months old and is still very young. The question of whether he should be vaccinated against meningococcus has been raised by Thanh Liem, a 32-year-old from Soc Trang. In order to answer this question, it is crucial to provide an understanding of meningococcal bacterial disease, which can lead to severe conditions like meningitis and septicemia, with a high risk of death. Even if patients survive, they may experience long-term effects such as amputation, deafness, blindness, or psychological disorders.

Children under one year old are at the highest risk for meningococcal disease, especially those under 5 months old due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Additionally, young children may be exposed to other pathogens as their immune systems are not yet fully equipped to receive multiple vaccinations. Vaccination is a proactive way to prevent meningococcal disease and its associated burdens.

Vietnam has seen cases of group B meningococcus in children under one year old, leading to severe consequences like amputation or death. Vaccination against meningococcal bacteria can significantly reduce the number of cases each year, as demonstrated in extensive research conducted in the UK, Italy, and Portugal. Vaccination should be administered according to the correct regimen and indications based on the age of the child, offering up to 95% protection.

There are two types of vaccines available in Vietnam for group B meningococcus, one of which can be administered as early as two months of age. These vaccines can be combined with other necessary injections without overloading the child’s immune system. Given that the child is about to turn two months old, it is recommended to consult with a vaccination doctor to determine the best vaccination schedule for optimal protection.