Mengingococcal
What is it?
Meningococcal disease, also called meningococcal meningitis, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It is one of the leading causes of meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease can also cause severe blood infection, or sepsis. It is caused mainly by the A, B, C, W, and Y types of meningococcal bacteria.
Meningococcal disease is spread through saliva or spit. An infected person can spread it by coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, or kissing. Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as common infections like cold and flu. This is because the bacteria cannot live long outside the body. Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease.
Why is the vaccine important?
Anyone can get meningococcal disease. Babies under age 1 are at higher risk of contracting the illness. Adolescents between the ages of 16 and 21 and adults 65 and older are also at higher risk.
Meningococcal disease is very serious. While the disease is rare, it can become deadly within hours. About 10 – 15 people out of every 100 who get the disease will die, even with antibiotic treatment. About 1 in 5 survivors have long-term disabilities. These can include losing their arms or legs, becoming deaf, or having problems with their nervous systems. They also can include becoming intellectually disabled or suffering seizures or strokes.
Progress
Meningococcal disease rates have decreased in the U.S. since the 1990s and are still low today. Since the first meningococcal vaccine was recommended in 2005, rates of the C, Y, and W types have decreased by over 90%. There were just 210 cases of meningococcal disease in 2021, however cases increased in 2023 to 422. The Y strain has caused most of the new cases.
Vaccine Recommendations
Meningococcal vaccines protect against most types of meningitis, but they do not prevent all cases.
MenACWY Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine is a 2-dose series. It protects against the A, C, W, and Y strains of bacteria that cause meningitis. It is recommended for adolescents at age 11 or 12 years, with a booster dose at age 16 to 18 years. It is also recommended for certain high-risk children from ages 2 months through 10 years. The CDC also recommends that adults with certain risk factors and medical conditions get the MenACWY vaccine. These include college freshmen living in a dormitory and adults with HIV.
MENB VACCINE
The MenB vaccine is recommended for kids at increased risk for meningitis B and requires 2 or 3 doses depending on age. Teens not at increased risk may also be vaccinated with 2 doses starting at age 16. The vaccine protects against the B strain of bacteria that causes meningitis.
MENABCWY VACCINE
There is also a newer vaccine available that protects against meningitis bacteria types A, B, C, W, and Y. Depending on your child’s age and previous meningitis immunizations, their provider may offer this option.
Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects (also known as "adverse reactions"). Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include fever, headache, or body aches. They can also include redness where the shot was given and tiredness. Side effects are normal. They can even be a good sign that the immune system is working to build antibodies that will fight off future infections!
For MenB, MenACWY, and MenABCWY vaccines, side effects may also include chills, nausea, or diarrhea.
Remember, vaccines are continuously studied. They are also closely monitored for safety. Research continues to show that vaccines are safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare (about 1 in million). The choice not to vaccinate is ultimately more risky. Not vaccinating may lead to catching a potentially deadly disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine side effects. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1.
