Meningococcal bacterial disease is a serious condition that can cause meningitis and septicemia, both of which have a high risk of death. Even if patients recover, about 20% of them may suffer long-term effects such as amputation, deafness, blindness or psychological disorders. This disease is caused by different serogroups of meningococcal bacteria, with group B being common in Vietnam. 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.
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 and has not yet been vaccinated against meningococcus, it is advisable to consider vaccination 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. It’s important to note 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 and prevent severe health complications for your child.