Meningococcal disease is the name for any infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. N. meningitidis can live in the back of the nose and throat. About 1 in 10 people have these bacteria in their throat and aren't sick. People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). However, sometimes the bacteria move to other parts of the body and cause infection.
The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis (swelling and infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections (bacteria in the blood damages the walls of the blood vessels, causing bleeding in the skin and organs). Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen. Meningococcal disease is serious and can become deadly in hours.
Why does my child need protection against meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can cause serious illness and death in people of all ages. Certain people are at higher risk, including young adults and college students.
Healthcare providers treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics. Depending on how serious the infection is, people with meningococcal disease may need other treatments, including breathing support, medications to treat low blood pressure, wound care for parts of the body with damaged skin, surgery to remove dead tissue or even amputation.
Even with antibiotic treatment, 10-15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease will die. One in 5 survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, deafness or loss of limb(s).
Which vaccines protect against meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal vaccines protect against one or more strains of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. They include MenACWY, MenB and MenABCWY vaccines. Adolescents should receive MenACWY vaccine at 11 to 12 years and a booster at 16 years. Children 10 years and older who are at increased risk for disease and adolescents and adults age 16-23 years should also receive a MenB vaccine series.
Are they safe?
Meningococcal vaccines are safe. Side effects are rare, but when they do occur, are usually mild and go away on their own in a few days. Most commonly they are redness or soreness where the vaccine was given, muscle pain, headache, fatigue or fainting (which is more common in adolescents after any vaccine). To prevent fainting and related injuries, teens should remain seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes afterward.
Are they effective?
Vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases. The MenACWY vaccine prevents more than two thirds of meningococcal disease in adolescents in the U.S. It is critical for teens to receive meningococcal vaccines during later adolescence, so they have protection when they are most at risk for the disease.