Meningitis is a serious disease that can affect the neck and spine. It can be fatal without prompt treatment.

The vaccine for meningococcal disease is one of the best ways to prevent it. There are two different versions of the vaccine. The vaccine888-607-3166 is right for you based on your age and risk for Meningitis. The recommended schedule for this vaccine is explained in the book.

Which vaccine is used for meningitis?

In the United States, there are two meningitis vaccines available:

  • The Meningococcal conjugate, or MenACWY, vaccine is generally recommended for children and teenagers. This is also the vaccine that’s recommended for most adults.
  • The Serogroup B meningococcal, or MenB, vaccine is usually recommended for adults or teens with some autoimmune conditions. It may also be recommended for those who are breastfeeding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends schedules for meningitis vaccine dosing. Getting vaccines on the recommended schedule is the best way to ensure the vaccine takes effect and provides protection. The schedule you need will depend on your age.

Meningitis vaccine schedule for college-age people

Many colleges require students who will be living in dorms to provide proof of the MenACWY vaccine. Generally, this vaccine needs to have been received within 5 years of starting school.

If you are a college student, you need to get a booster dose of MenACWY before you start school.

In some cases, a MenB vaccine can be given at the same time. If you receive a MenB shot, you’ll need a second MenB shot in 6 months. However, the MenB shot isn’t necessary for most college students. Talk with your doctor about the best meningitis vaccine and vaccine schedule for you or your child.

Vaccine schedule by brand

What brand of vaccine you get also determines your vaccine schedule. For example:

  • Trubenmba is either given in a two- or three-dose series:
    • Two doses are given 6 months apart.
    • The first three doses were given after 2 months.
  • The Bexsero series is a two-dose series.

If you have any questions about when you should get a second dose of your vaccine, you should ask the healthcare professional that administers it. They will usually be able to book you an appointment for any follow-up doses when you get your first one.

Meningitis vaccine schedule for babies or children

The CDC recommends that children receive their first MenACWY vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12. The MenACWY vaccine is a single dose vaccine, but a booster shot is recommended at age 16.

Babies who are at an especially high risk for MenACWY vaccine are sometimes advised to get it. This group includes some things.

  • children with HIV
  • children with sickle cell anemia
  • Children with damaged spleens.
  • Children who have had their spleens removed.
  • Children who take complement inhibitor medications.

Your vaccine schedule depends on the vaccine you receive and your age. For example, children who receive the MenACWY vaccine need a booster after 5 years. Teenagers who receive the MenACWY vaccine at 16 years or later will not ever need a booster. The MenB vaccine always requires at least two doses, but it doesn’t require a booster.

Adults very rarely need meningitis vaccines. The only exceptions are adults who are medically at high risk, such as:

  • Adults with HIV or a related blood disorder.
  • Adults who are traveling to high risk parts of the world.
  • Adults who are microbiologists and work with the diseases.

“If you don’t know what your risk is, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if you need a vaccine.”

When was the meningitis vaccine developed?

A form of meningitis vaccine has been available since the 1970s. However, this early meningitis vaccine was most effective in adults. Since children, teens, and college-age young adults are the populations most at risk for meningitis, this vaccine was not an ideal way to combat meningitis.

The MCV4 vaccine was introduced in 2005. The MenACWY vaccine was introduced in 2010. The MenB vaccine is available from two brands.

The meningitis vaccine is safe. Most people who receive the vaccine don’t have any serious side effects or complications. The side effects that do occur tend to be mild and normally go away on their own after a day or two. However, all vaccines can have some side effects.

Possible side effects of the MenACWY vaccine include:

Possible side effects of the MenB vaccine include:

Vaccines are effective protection against meningitis, but they don’t prevent 100% of all cases. However, when the CDC recommended that children get the MenACWY vaccine for meningitis in 2005, cases in the United States decreased by 90%.

Meningitis is very rare, so data on vaccine effectiveness is limited. The protective effects of the MenACWY vaccine decrease after 5 years. This is why it’s strongly recommended that 16-year-olds receive a booster dose.

Research suggests that the protective antibodies your body makes after a dose of the MenB vaccine decrease after 1 to 2 years.

Medicare and most private insurance will cover vaccines as part of preventive care. Check with your insurance plan for details about any copays that may be required.

If you’re uninsured and need vaccines for your child, the federally funded program Vaccines for Children (VFC) can help get them the care they need and meet any requirements for their school.

Coping with vaccine anxiety

Vaccines have helped eliminate some diseases and made others very rare. They are an important part of preventative healthcare.

Not everyone is comfortable with vaccines. Many people worry about the possible side effects of vaccines, and they fear needles.

It is helpful to learn more about vaccines. The CDC has a lot of information about vaccine safety.

You can discuss any recommended vaccines with your doctor. They can show you how to manage your risks and side effects.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spine. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. The vaccine is the most important step you can take to protect yourself against the disease.

The vaccine should be given to children when they are 11 or 12 years old. An additional vaccine may be required in some cases.

It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about your risk of meningitis. They can help you decide if an additional meningitis vaccine is a good idea for you.