Side effects of vaccination against meningitis

The side effects of a vaccination are often limited to a local reaction. As the body’s immune system is activated, there may be a slight swelling and redness at the site where the injection was administered. Slight to moderate pain, especially under pressure, is not uncommon.

A short-term hardening of the tissue is also a normal reaction of the body. Since substances foreign to the body are administered, a classic defensive reaction sometimes occurs with the symptoms of a slight cold. General symptoms such as increased temperature, headaches, increased irritability and temporary loss of appetite with nausea and vomiting can occur.

The general feeling of illness often brings with it basic fatigue, joint and limb pain, as is often the case with colds. This reaction of the body is not dangerous and is completely natural. Only very rarely do stronger side effects occur, but even if they do, they are more tolerable than the onset of meningococcal meningitis.

Corresponding side effects are swelling and rashes, hives, muscle stiffness and chills. The absolute exceptions are allergic vaccination reactions, which can also lead to febrile convulsions, dizzy spells and short-term disturbances of consciousness and vision. Although the possibility of these symptoms may sound frightening, they are extremely rare (in less than 0.1% of cases, and severe side effects are even rarer). However, 7% of all affected patients die from meningococcal infections – even in Germany.

Costs of vaccination against meningitis

The costs for the vaccination against meningitis are easily covered by the statutory health insurance up to the age of 18. It is one of the vaccinations recommended by the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Commission) and is therefore a fixed component of the statutory health insurance plan. If the 18th year of life is exceeded, the insurance company may, under certain circumstances, demand a cost sharing from the patient.

However, even after the age of 18, many insurance companies still offer to cover the costs of meningococcal vaccination. A vaccination dose costs about 50 euros without the insurance companies covering the costs. The price can vary due to the costs of the vaccination consultation and the administration of the syringe, as well as the quantity ordered by the doctor consulted.