Ipatinga expands meningitis vaccination in UBSs

August 13, 2021 | 10:30

Ipatinga expands meningitis vaccination in UBSs

Children up to 10 years, 11 months and 29 days should be immunized

The Ipatinga Health Department provides meningococcal C (conjugated) vaccine in basic health units (UBSs). The service is provided to the public from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, informing the municipality administration.

• The municipality is following the recommendation of the Ministry of Health which has expanded meningitis vaccination for children up to the age of 10 years, 11 months and 29 days. The immunization continues until December 2021,” the memo from the government reports.

According to the Department of Health, the meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for children under five years of age, with two doses applied at three and five months of age, plus a booster dose at 12 months of age. With the aim of increasing protection against the virus and limiting its transmission, as well as considering the return of in-person classes, the strategy has been to broaden age groups.

The Department of Health has reported that dilation is only suitable for children who have not received any booster dose.

portability

Although the disease is most prevalent in children under the age of one year, adolescents and young adults are primarily responsible for the continued spread of the disease. That is why it is so important to ensure high vaccination coverage in both children and adolescents,” explains Director of the Department of Epidemiology, Samila Iglesias.

In 2021, to date, vaccine coverage is 93.11% for children under one year of age and 93.01% for children up to one year of age.

scratches

Meningitis is caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria and is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is considered a disease with high mortality rates, and can lead to long-term complications, such as neurological complications, loss of limbs, hearing loss and paralysis.