Who Requires the Meningitis Vaccination?
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. In the United States, two main types of meningitis vaccines are available: MenACWY and MenB.
The MenACWY vaccine, introduced in 2010, is generally recommended for children, teenagers, and most adults. It's a single dose vaccine, but a booster shot is recommended at age 16. Children under 10 years, including babies, who are at high risk for meningitis may also be advised to get the MenACWY vaccine.
The MenB vaccine, which became available in 2014, always requires at least two doses, but it doesn't require a booster. This vaccine is usually recommended for adults or teens with certain autoimmune conditions and those who are breastfeeding.
Both vaccines have been shown to be effective in reducing meningitis cases. For instance, when the CDC recommended that children get the MenACWY vaccine for meningitis in 2005, cases in the United States decreased.
Side effects of these vaccines are common but usually mild. For the MenACWY vaccine, side effects include headache, muscle pain, slight fatigue, soreness at the injection site, and redness at the injection site. Side effects of the MenB vaccine include headache, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, soreness at the injection site, redness at the injection site, and swelling at the injection site.
It's important to note that adults very rarely need meningitis vaccines, with exceptions for those with certain health conditions or those traveling to high-risk areas.
The schedule for meningitis vaccine dosing is determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and depends on your age. For example, children receive their first MenACWY vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12. College-age people may require proof of the MenACWY vaccine if living in dorms. The brand of vaccine you get determines your vaccine schedule, with examples given for Trumenba and Bexsero.
Vaccines are an important part of preventive healthcare for meningitis. If you're uninsured and need vaccines for your child, the federally funded program can help. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about your risk of meningitis to decide if an additional meningitis vaccine is necessary.
In the United States, meningitis vaccines available include vaccines against meningococcal bacteria and pneumococcal bacteria. The specific meningococcal vaccines target different serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis, and pneumococcal vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, both of which can cause meningitis.
Remember, vaccines save lives. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up-to-date with your meningitis vaccinations.
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