The state of São Paulo has temporarily extended the meningitis vaccination campaign to adolescents aged 15 to 19 years and education workers in private and private education networks.
The meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC) in a single booster dose, which protects against meningitis caused by type C of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, will be available until July 31st or until stocks last at health centers.
“The objective is to protect these publics and reduce the risk of infection in the school environment in this autumn/winter period”, said Mariana de Souza Araújo, coordinator of the State Immunization Program.
Vaccination for these two publics began on May 24th.
Teenagers and education professionals can get vaccinated from Monday to Friday at UBSs (Basic Health Units) and AMAs (Outpatient Medical Assistance) in the city. They are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
To receive the vaccine, it is necessary to bring an identity document and, if possible, the vaccination card; Teachers must also bring a professional document that proves their work in educational institutions.
What is bacterial meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammatory process of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation can be caused by several agents, such as viruses, bacteria and also fungi. Of the cases of meningitis in Brazil, bacterial meningitis caused by meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) of serogroup C is the second most frequent, right after viral meningitis.
Vaccination is one of the main ways to prevent the disease. The meningococcal C conjugate vaccine was implemented by the Unified Health System (SUS) in the child’s vaccination routine in September 2010.
In the routine of the Municipal Immunization Plan, the vaccine is applied at three and five months of age and a booster at 12 months. Children who have not been vaccinated will be able to receive the vaccine until they are 10 years old. For adolescents aged 11 to 14 years, the ACWY meningococcal vaccine is available.
