Meningococcal Vaccine How to Prevent a Deadly Disease
Did you know that there is a vaccine that can protect you and your family from a serious infection that can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), a life-threatening condition? Here are 5 facts you should know about the meningococcal vaccine.
Infection with meningococcal bacteria can cause life-threatening infection.
The meningococcal bacteria can exist in the nasal passages before causing illness but then enter the body and cause meningitis and infection of the blood. It also may infect the respiratory system and cause pneumonia. It causes a serious infection causing death in 10-20% of those infected and is highest in older adults.
Rapid diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent serious disease when symptoms (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, sore throat, stiff neck, light sensitivity) are first noted.
Individuals infected with meningococcal bacteria can readily pass it along to others in close contact.
An increased risk of Infection with meningococcal bacteria may occur from contact with an infected person and is common in communal living situations such as family homes, college dorms, and military settings. Although you can be infected at any time, the risk is highest during the months from November to March.
Several types of vaccines are available.
Three types of meningococcal vaccines are available that contain certain serotypes (strains) of the meningococcal bacteria.
| Meningococcal Vaccine | Serotypes |
|---|---|
| MenACWY vaccines | 4 serogroups: A, C, W, and Y |
|
MenB vaccines |
1 serogroup: B |
| MenABCWY vaccines | 5 serogroups: A, B, C, W, and Y |
Your doctor or pharmacist will review your medical conditions and determine if you are at increased risk for meningococcal infection to advise which vaccine or vaccine combination is best for you.
It is important to give the vaccine to teenagers, including a booster dose.
Vaccination against meningococcal disease is routinely recommended in the US for all adolescents and young adults as well as individuals at increased risk. Individuals at increased risk include those with HIV or sickle cell disease, travelers to countries where the disease is common, and those living in a communal setting, or in a community where an outbreak is occurring.
All adolescents 11 to 12 years of age should receive a MenACWY vaccine. Because the protection decreases over time, a MenACWY booster shot is recommended at age 16 when teens are at greatest risk.
Those who were vaccinated may need an additional booster dose to provide additional protection during an outbreak if it has been 5 or more years since their most recent MenACWY vaccine.
The meningococcal vaccine is well tolerated.
Side effects to the meningococcal vaccine are mild. These include headache, dizziness, fever, and redness, swelling, and tenderness at the site of injection. If you have questions about receiving this vaccine, it is important to ask your pharmacist or physician. Getting vaccinated will protect your child from a serious infection.