Menactra shot for meningitis?!
Question: Menactra shot for meningitis.?
I work in the local hospital in the pediatric and OB units, I've been told by some people i should get the Menactra shot for meningitis. In the short time i've been here we have already had 4 or 5 cases of Meningitis, but we did use precautions. What do you think.? should I be safe rather than sorry and get the shot.? or should I wait.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I'd get it. Meningitis is a nasty thing. It's an inexpensive shot, though it's one of the more unpleasant to get. I grew up in a meningitis endemic area, and work on a college campus. We have a half dozen cases of meningitis every year or so. Always glad I have it.
A few days of feeling sick and miserable and sore at the worst is definitely better than a case of this illness. And you are working in an area where you can come into contact with it. Communicable doesn't begin to describe bacterial meningitis. A dirty look can transmit it.Health Question & Answer
A few days of feeling sick and miserable and sore at the worst is definitely better than a case of this illness. And you are working in an area where you can come into contact with it. Communicable doesn't begin to describe bacterial meningitis. A dirty look can transmit it.Health Question & Answer
You are in a high-risk group working in a hospital (especially pediatric, but more so with adolescent). Given the exposures (are you sure it is meningococcal meningitis rather than viral/aseptic - because the vaccine is ONLY for the neisseria meningitidis bacteria.?) it might be a safe bet. It's a safe vaccine, so it won't do you any harm. Poll the people you work with - they'll let you know. If you are concerned, I say go for it.Health Question & Answer