The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningitis caused by a bacteria named Neisseria meningitides.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a disease that causes swelling of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Both bacteria and viruses can cause meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, is serious and can result in hearing loss, brain damage, or learning disabilities.
Is meningococcal meningitis contagious?
The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can be spread to others through coughing and sneezing. When the infected person coughs the bacteria into the air a close person can breath in the bacteria and become infected. People in close contact with infected persons should receive antibiotics to help prevent them from becoming sick.
What are some signs and symptoms?
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious disease and should not be taken lightly. It can occur quickly, make you very sick and in some cases may even lead to death. The most common symptoms are fever, headache and neck stiffness. It may also cause sensitivity to light, a stomachache, confusion, and vomiting. Infants with meningitis may be irritable, fussy, not want to eat, vomit, or be less active. If these symptoms are experienced contact your doctor immediately.
What are options for prevention?
The meningococcal vaccine can decrease the risk of getting meningitis from the Neissera meningitides bacteria. It is recommended that everyone get this vaccine at 11-12 years of age and then receive a booster shot at age 16. It is important to receive two meningococcal vaccine shots. The two shots will provide the best protection against meningococcal meningitis. If the first shot in the two shot series is not given until age 13-15 years then the booster shot should be given at age 16 making sure there are 2 months between the two shots. College freshman living in dormitories that have not received the vaccine should receive one dose.
Children at high risk for meningococcal disease including those with immune system problems or those without a spleen should receive 2 doses of the vaccine at least 2 months apart and then receive a booster shot every 5 years there after. Children that travel to some foreign countries where the disease is common should also be vaccinated.
People of any age at high risk include patients with immune system problems including HIV, military personnel, and those living in dormitories should receive the vaccine. Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine if you are at high risk for meningococcal disease. Those people who continue to be at high risk should receive a booster shot every 5 years.
I heard the recommendations for the meningococcal vaccine have changed?
Yes, the 2011 vaccine recommendations have changed. The main change is that a booster shot is now recommended at age 16-18 years after the initial vaccine. This is necessary to protect against meningococcal meningitis.
The FDA also recently approved the use of the meningitis vaccine in children from 9 months to 23 months of age as a 2 dose series. The approval was the result of studies showing that the meningitis vaccine is safe in this younger age group.
What are some known side effects of the meningococcal vaccine?
Possible side effects of the meningococcal vaccine include:
Pain and redness at the injection site
Fever
Rarely a rash and allergic reaction
Rarely neurological disorder
What are some treatment options?
People suspected of having meningococcal meningitis are hospitalized and given antibiotics. Early treatment is important. The antibiotics will help fight the infection but may not prevent all of the damage the disease can cause. Prevention is the best option. All people in close contact with a patient with meningococcal meningitis should receive antibiotics to help prevent the spread of the disease.
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