With the help of pediatrician Kinga Jókay M.D. and our expert in infectious diseases Balázs Dezsényi M.D., we have put together a summary of everything you need to know to stay protected.
The symptoms of meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium (often known as meningococcus) appear suddenly and can have grave and often fatal consequences. There are at least 12 strains of Neisseria meningitidis, with strains A, B, C, Y and W-135 responsible for the majority of meningitis cases. In Hungary, strain B is the most common. The bacteria spreads through droplet infection and can prove fatal very quickly. In its early stage, the illness causes ordinary symptoms such as fever, vomiting, severe headaches and drowsiness, but the appearance of purple spots on the ankles indicates a serious and active viral form of the disease.
Who is the vaccination recommended for?
- Newborn babies and children under two years of age
- Those aged 15-25
- People with autoimmune diseases
- Microbiologists who routinely work with Neisseria meningitidis bacteria
- Members of a local community in the event of an outbreak
- People who live in closed communities (e.g. colleges, army, festivals)
- Those travelling to places where there is a danger of contracting a meningococcal viral infection (e.g. Africa)
Vaccines
In Hungary, none of the available Neisseria meningitidis vaccines are obligatory, but they should be considered for groups at risk. There is the option to receive separate C or B strain vaccines, or a combined ACW135Y vaccine.
Meningitis C vaccine
- Can be administered from the age of two months.
- For children below the age of two in Hungary, the National Health Insurance Fund (OEP) has in the past paid 70% of the cost of the vaccine, but it is now free as of January 2017.
When is it recommended?
- Aged two months and above. To achieve a basic level of immunization, vaccination over a series of three doses is recommended.
Meningitis B vaccine
- Can be administered from the age of two months.
- Infants require vaccination with four doses, but only two doses are required after 24 months of age.
- In Hungary, patients are required to pay the full cost of the MenB vaccine as it is not supported by the state.
When is it recommended?
- For people aged two months to 25 years, particularly children under two, those aged 15-25, and individuals living in closed communities.
- 25-55: When travelling to areas with N. Meningidis B epidemics, if there is a local outbreak of the virus or in certain circumstances, e.g. if you have had your spleen removed or have complement deficiency.
Combined meningitis ACWY vaccine
- Can be administered from the age 12 months.
- In Hungary, patients are required to pay the full cost of the MenACWY vaccine, as it is not supported by the state.
When is it recommended?
- For people aged 1-25 years.
- Aged 25-55: When travelling to areas where there is a risk of meningococcal infection, in the event of the outbreak of the virus, or in certain circumstances, e.g. if you have had your spleen removed or have complement deficiency.
The age groups most at risk are children under two and 15-25 year olds. For these groups, vaccination is highly recommended. From the age of 25, inoculation is advisable when travelling to areas where there is a risk of meningococcus infection, if the individual is suffering from a particular rare disease, or if a local outbreak of the virus has occurred.
