Plebe2B Bexsero Meningitis vaccine question

I spoke to USMA/ Cadet Health Dept. today.
The "Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines" ( eg Menactra) is required.
The "Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines" ( eg Bexsero, or Trumenba) is not required, BUT a good thing to have.
 
No disrespect to Dr Mom, or others that wish the best for their kids,,but 1) be careful about what you read online, 2) free medical (and legal) advice is worth what you pay for it, and 3) (the real message of my post), when it comes to shots/immunizations, get the advice directly from USNA medical. Unless things have changed, they are pretty good at ensuring that 4000 Midshipman have all the shots they need to send them anywhere around the world. If you get shots on your own, make sure you have a shot card or record of what you have had so you don't get overdosed !

If there are any current Midshipmen (or relatively recent grads) here, does Bancroft Medical still give shots at 4-6 am ? In my day (early 80's), that was the only way to get all the Midshipmen immunizations at one time. They would set up in the Batttalion area early in the morning, and each Company would have a time slot starting at 0 dark thirty, and the Midshipman would go through the line. The key was to get up, make it through the line and back in the rack for a couple more hours without waking up.
 
Old Navy, back in the day during Plebe Summer--we used to line up and get our shots by platoon.
I think that the academies are trying to reduce medical waste and discomfort to the plebes by advising and receiving shot records.
 
CAPT MJ, I love those air gun injectors for the masses--but it is overwhelming for some teenagers to get so many shots--and publicly/under pressure I think it upped the amount of Syncope/Fainting, which happens in somethng less than 4% of teenager--figure 1200 kids, that is up to 40 fainters--do it more than once...I can see where the academies are like, "Here is the list, bring your shot record"--to save themselves the trouble and the kids the pain and embarrassment/interruption to training. I will have to look at why we don't use the air guns any longer--or it is just me, that I am not in places where they are used. Let me check...

OK...just checked the "jet injectors" were done away with in the early 2000s. Perceptions of risk of HIV, Hep B and Hep C... Here is an 'Ask the Mayo Clinic' on it:
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/...o-Clinic-Whatever-happened-to-jet-1293851.php

Here is a better military and veteran targeted article. Apparently the DoD stopped using the jet injectors in 1997 and it is an issue for Hep C claims in the VA (although there is no evidence linking the disease to the vaccination method. )
http://www.usmedicine.com/2016-comp...recognize-immunization-air-injector-hcv-link/
 
Last edited:
DrMom said:
CAPT MJ, I love those air gun injectors for the masses--but it is overwhelming for some teenagers to get so many shots--and publicly/under pressure I think it upped the amount of Syncope/Fainting, which happens in somethng less than 4% of teenager--figure 1200 kids, that is up to 40 fainters--do it more than once...I can see where the academies are like, "Here is the list, bring your shot record"--to save themselves the trouble and the kids the pain and embarrassment/interruption to training. I will have to look at why we don't use the air guns any longer--or it is just me, that I am not in places where they are used. Let me check...

OK...just checked the "jet injectors" were done away with in the early 2000s. Perceptions of risk of HIV, Hep B and Hep C... Here is an 'Ask the Mayo Clinic' on it:
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/...o-Clinic-Whatever-happened-to-jet-1293851.php
Click to expand...

Appreciate your comments- much has changed for the better. A bit more common sense and kindness. Smart of SAs to drive immunizations as much in advance as possible.

I recall the air guns, always had a funny feeling about cross-contamination, glad they went away eventually.

I had three older Navy friends diagnosed with Hep C. All had had blood transfusions before certain protocols were used, presumably back in the early 70's. They had a rough time.
 
Last edited:
The good news on the Hep C front is that it can now be cured with a daily pill in about 12 weeks. The pill is very expensive (like $1,100 a dose or up to 95K for the entire course)--but just think of the misery and lives it saves. No more interferon.
Clearly, I like to talk about immunization. It is the bread & butter of public health.
 
Hep C wasn't the only thing. The Captain's post reminded me of when I worked in a hospital in the 80's, pediatric wing, which had patients who contracted AIDS from blood transfusions; it was heartbreaking. Hadn't thought about that in years... It is indeed so much better now.
 
That's a shot that will be required of most colleges, summer camps, etc. (my p2b is number 4 of 5 and his sibs have needed) It's a meningitis series.
 
Is the chicken pox titer for all? Son went to the Dr on 3/16, had his 2nd Group B but has to go back tomorrow for TB test. I put a sticky by the Polio vaccine as it was missed by all. One of the perks of him turning 18 in February is he can go by himself but a downside is he still needs the vax. :)
 
Love4monsters said:
Is the chicken pox titer for all? Son went to the Dr on 3/16, had his 2nd Group B but has to go back tomorrow for TB test. I put a sticky by the Polio vaccine as it was missed by all. One of the perks of him turning 18 in February is he can go by himself but a downside is he still needs the vax. :)
Click to expand...

I don't know about USNA. The titer is to check the level of immunity. If high enough, no vaccination required, at least at USAFA last year. This is also typical for students entering health occupations.
 
My son got the Bexsero shot during IDay and he said he was sore for a few days. He got all except for 2 shots from his Primary Care Dr a month before I day. i forgot what the other shot was that his Dr didn't have. He was glad they only had to give him 2 shots as compared to others who got a lot. I strongly suggest to have the shots before I day if your doctor has them.
 
Is DS at any risk of an I-day DQ if he has a syncope/fainting event while getting shots? It has happened to him before. I am not sure why it happens, he has a high threshold for pain and isn't squeamish to grotesque injuries etc. He is worried about it. I suggested he flex his leg and abdomen muscles immediately after the shot (I'm no doctor, but slept at a Holiday Inn once). Might this help? I also suggested he inform those administering the injections of the possibility due to the potential of injury from falling. I doubt he will do so because of the embarrassment, but either way be would become "one of those" if it does happen. Any insight or thoughts?
 
To be honest, I do not know how many shots are given on I-Day--and the health providers are prepared for fainting when vaccines are given to this age population. It is not like the old days with the line and the guns. It is more civilized now--it is a rare but relatively normal reaction. Of all of the things about which one can worry, I would not put brain cells and time into worrying about this one.

Push ups after a shot help to circulate the vaccine and are a good way to reduce soreness. However, if your guy tends to feel light headed, he should tell the person giving the shots and just try to take it easy and listen to the medical provider.
 
With the stress of I Day new Plebes who have never fainted do. Never know. It's one of those days that all kinds of odd things happen just due to the level of anxiety and stress. My class had the injector guns. Was lucky no shots were needed on I Day for me. I would try to minimize them for I Day but not the end of the world if they get 1-2.
 
USNA will tell you what and when you need it. Do not act on your own. Parents get used to it. When they take the oath they are no longer yours they belong to USNA and the NAVY! Thus is what I was told on IDay by the Dant.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top