Meningococcal vaccination

Meningococcal disease is a highly contagious bacterial illness. It can be spread through the air via coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread directly from one person to another through kissing. This disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children and young adults.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It can be extremely serious. Even with antibiotic treatment, it can be fatal. It can also cause:

  • loss of hearing
  • seizures
  • strokes
  • nerve damage
  • loss of limbs

Vaccination is the best way to prevent meningococcal disease. It can affect people of all ages, especially those living in close quarters. College students living in dorms and military personnel living in barracks are at a high risk.

The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for young adults who will be living in shared spaces. It’s also recommended to the following people:

  • those with HIV
  • those with spleen damage
  • those with complement component deficiency (an immune disorder)
  • someone who has been exposed to an outbreak
  • someone who plans to travel someplace where the disease is common

Also, there are some people who shouldn’t get the meningococcal vaccine, including:

  • those who have had an allergic reaction to a previous meningococcal vaccine
  • those who are allergic to any component of the vaccine
  • anyone who is moderately to severely ill

Pregnant women who need vaccination should get MPSV4, which may be safer. However, there’s not enough data to be certain.

This vaccine is offered in two versions in the United States. Both vaccines are quadrivalent. This means they protect against four types of meningococcal disease. The vaccines are MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) and MPSV4 (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine).

MenACWY is the preferred vaccine. It’s recommended for those between the ages of 11 and 18 and for:

  • high-risk individuals ages 2 through 55
  • college freshmen who plan to live in dorms
  • military recruits
  • anyone traveling to high-risk countries
  • people with immune system disorders or spleen damage

The MPSV4 may be used if the MenACWY isn’t available. Also, MPSV4 is licensed for adults over 55 years old. MCV4 may not be used in adults over 55.

The number of shots you need depends on when you get the vaccine. If your first dose is before age 16, you will need a booster shot later. If your first dose is after age 16, you only need one shot. Teens with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receive a three shot series with at least eight weeks between doses and a booster shot after five years.

The risk of serious harm from this vaccine is small. However, any medication can have side effects. Potential side effects include:

  • redness or pain at the site of the shot
  • fever
  • severe allergic reaction, which is very rare

Some people, particularly teens, may faint or fall down after the vaccination is administered. This can cause injuries. It’s a good idea to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after any vaccination.