Meningococcal Vaccine is Recommended for Preteens and Teens

On this page:
What is meningococcal disease?
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
What are the symptoms of bacteremia?
How does meningococcal disease spread?
How can you prevent meningococcal disease?
What are the different types of meningococcal vaccine?
Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?
What are the risks from meningococcal vaccine?
Are free or low-cost meningococcal shots available?
How can I learn more?

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that can cause meningitis (brain and spinal cord infections), bacteremia (blood infections), and septic arthritis (joint infections).

In the United States between 200 and 400 people get the disease each year, and about 10 to 15 out of 100 people die from it. Of those who survive, up to one out of five will have permanent disabilities, such as deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs, or seizures.

A person with meningococcal disease may become seriously ill very quickly. Antibiotics can treat meningococcal infections but sometimes can't be given soon enough to help. Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than one year of age. Disease levels also increase in adolescence starting around age 11 and peaking around age 19 years.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The most common symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, and very stiff neck. Other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and extreme tiredness.

What are the symptoms of bacteremia?

Common symptoms of meningococcal blood infections are fever, extreme tiredness, chills, cold hands and feet, severe aches or pain, and rash. If a person has a joint infection, there is pain and swelling in and around the joint. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms that concern you.

How does meningococcal disease spread?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close contact. Examples of how this disease spreads are kissing, sharing silverware, drinking from the same container, sharing a cigarette or lipstick, and having close and ongoing social contact (living in the same household).

How can you prevent meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningococcal disease. It is always good practice to wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home when you are sick.

What are the different types of meningococcal vaccine?

Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is highly effective at protecting against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria, A, C, W, and Y. The Meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) protects against the B strain. MenB vaccine is not routinely recommended for everyone. You should talk to your health care provider about getting the MenB vaccine. There is also a vaccine that combines both MenACWY and MenB vaccines into one shot (MenABCWY).

Who should get the meningococcal vaccines?

MenACWY vaccine

All children ages 11 through 12 years should receive the MenACWY vaccine followed by a booster dose at age 16 years. Catch-up vaccination is also recommended for all adolescents ages 13 through 18 years of age who did not receive a dose at 11-12 years of age.

People ages 2 months and older who have certain conditions that weaken their immune system should receive meningococcal vaccine, including teens who are HIV positive. These people should also receive booster shots every three to five years depending on their age. Talk to your health care provider if your preteen or teen has a condition that makes it harder for their body to fight off infection.

MenB vaccine

MenB vaccine is recommended for all children 10 years of age and older with certain high-risk conditions such as asplenia and certain blood diseases. Shared clinical decision-making (i.e., talking with a provider) is recommended when considering MenB vaccination for healthy people 16 to 23 years of age. Men B vaccine may be administered at age 16 years at the same time as the MenACWY booster dose if both are recommended. Talk to your health care provider about MenB vaccine.

MenABCWY vaccine

Anyone 10 years of age and older who is eligible for both MenACWY and MenB vaccines on the same clinic day, can receive a MenABCWY pentavalent vaccine that combines both vaccines into one shot. This combination vaccine can also be used for booster doses if there is increased risk for meningococcal disease.

What are the risks from meningococcal vaccine?

Most people have mild side effects from the vaccine, such as redness or pain where the shot was given. A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. This risk is extremely small. Getting the meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.

You can learn more on Vaccine Information Statements for meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.

Are free or low-cost meningococcal shots available?

Yes, if you don't have insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of the meningococcal vaccines, you may be able to find free or low-cost meningococcal shots.

• Talk to your doctor or clinic to see if they participate in the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program (MnVFC). If the person in need of vaccination is 18 years of age or younger, they may be eligible for no-cost vaccines. However, there may be an administration fee of up to $21.22 per shot.
• Talk to your city or county health department. They may be able to provide low-cost meningococcal shots.

How can I learn more?

Talk to your health care provider or call your local health department's immunization program. You can also find information on these websites:

• Meningococcal Disease
• CDC: Meningococcal Vaccination
• National Meningitis Association