What is meningococcal vaccination? Who should get meningococcal vaccines? What are the types of meningococcal vaccines? Who might not be able to get these vaccines?

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, there are vaccines available to help protect against this infection. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the key facts about meningococcal vaccination, including the different types of vaccines, who should get them, and important considerations for those who might not be able to receive them.

Types of Meningococcal Vaccines

There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States:

1. Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines
2. Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines

Who Should Get Meningococcal Vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. Additionally, the CDC recommends that certain children and adults get meningococcal vaccines in specific situations. Let’s take a closer look at the recommendations by age group:

Preteens and Teens

All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster shot at 16 years old. Teens may also get a MenB vaccine, preferably at 16 through 18 years old. Certain preteens and teens should get the MenB vaccine if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Babies and Children

The CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for children between 2 months and 10 years old if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, have HIV, are traveling to or residing in countries where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak. The CDC also recommends MenB vaccination for children 10 years or older who have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Adults

The CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for adults if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, have HIV, are a microbiologist routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, are traveling to or residing in countries where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common, are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak, or are not up to date with this vaccine and are a first-year college student living in a residence hall or a military recruit. The CDC also recommends MenB vaccination for adults who have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, are a microbiologist routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Who Might Not Be Able to Get These Vaccines?

Some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them due to age or health conditions. If you or your child have had a life-threatening allergic reaction or have a severe allergy to any part of the meningococcal vaccine, you should not get another dose of that type of vaccine. Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get the MenACWY vaccine, but the safety of MenB vaccine during pregnancy is not known. Talk to your or your child’s doctor to determine the best course of action.

Booster Shots

Talk to your or your child’s doctor to find out if, and when, they will need MenACWY or MenB booster shots. The recommended timing for booster shots can vary based on age, health conditions, and other factors.

Conclusion

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, but fortunately there are vaccines available to help protect against it. By understanding the different types of meningococcal vaccines, who should get them, and important considerations for those who might not be able to receive them, you can make informed decisions about your or your child’s health and safety.