What is Meningococcal Disease
How to prevent Meningococcal Disease
Who should get a Meningococcal Disease vaccine
When to get a Meningococcal Disease vaccine
 What is Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by a bacteria. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis
in children 2-18 years old in the United States.
Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes
blood infections. About 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. 10-15% of these people die,
in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf,
have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease. College freshmen
who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting
meningococcal disease beacuse they are surrounded by others in a close environment. Additionally, those who interact with others in close environments, such as airplane travel, theaters, and other events can be exposed to the disease.
Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin. Still, about 1 out of every ten
people who get the disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life. This is why preventing the
disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important for people at highest risk.
How to prevent Meningococcal Disease
Two meningococcal vaccines are available in the U.S.:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since the 1970s
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005
Both vaccines can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, including 2 of the 3 types most common in
the United States and a type that causes epidemics in Africa. Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all
types of the disease. But they do protect many people who might become sick if they didn't get the vaccine.
Both vaccines work well, and protect about 90% of those who get it. MCV4 is expected to give better,
longer-lasting protection. MCV4 should also be better at preventing the disease from spreading from
person to person.
Who should get a Meningococcal Disease vaccine
Meningococcal Disease is a respiratory spread disease, therefore, it is recommended that those who are subjected to areas where people congregate
for periods of time, such as long distance air travel, theaters, dorms, and events get vaccinated. Additionally, MCV4 is recommended for all
children at their routine preadolescent visit (11-12 years of age). For
those who have never gotten MCV4 previously, a dose is recommended at high school entry.
Other adolescents who want to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease can also get the vaccine.
Meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for other people at increased risk for
meningococcal disease:
- College freshmen living in dormitories
- Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- U.S. military recruits
- Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common,
such as parts of Africa
- Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed
- Anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder)
- People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
When to get a Meningococcal Disease vaccine
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people 11-55 years of age in these risk groups, but MPSV4 can be used
if MCV4 is not available. MPSV4 should be used for children 2-10 years old, and adults over 55, who are
at risk.
How Many Doses?
People 2 years of age and older should get 1 dose.
(Sometimes an additional dose is recommended for people who remain at high risk. Ask your provider).
MPSV4 may be recommended for children 3 months to 2 years of age under special circumstances. These
children should get 2 doses, 3 months apart.
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