Meningococcal diseaseisnt very common in the United States.
A study conducted between 2011 and 2015 suggests that fewer than 1 in every 100,000 people contracted it.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Fortunately, a vaccine can protect against this disease and its more serious consequences.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
The meningococcal vaccine can help protect against different versions of disease caused byNeisseria meningitidis.
This article will discuss the meningococcal vaccine, side effects, dosing schedule, and more.
Generally, this bacteria can spread quickly when people are in close contact with one another.
These vaccines protect against different bacterial subgroups that can cause meningitis.
They are sold under different brand names.
Other studies also noted a large drop in meningococcal disease since the vaccine was introduced.
But that drop accelerated after vaccine introduction.
Between 2011 and 2017, the incidence of meningitis due to these strains dropped by 35.6% annually.
But other studies have replicated these results in other populations.
Data showed the MenACWY vaccine is 88% effective in protecting against meningococcal disease.
Its effectiveness decreases slightly over time but is still 61% three to eight years after vaccination.
In the U.S., parents can opt to give their children a MenB vaccine once theyre in their teens.
In the UK, MenB vaccines have become part of the childhood immunization schedule.
That study estimated that the vaccine was about 53% effective.
This policy has also resulted in a large drop in meningitis B cases.
The study noted a 75% drop in cases among vaccine-eligible age groups, compared to the expected numbers.
Specifically, people who have hadlife-threatening allergic reactionsto meningococcal vaccines or their ingredients should not receive it.
The agency suggests that vaccination can wait until after this period.
But if the person is at increased risk of meningococcal disease, a vaccine should still be considered.
Parental Hesitancy
One reason parents may express hesitancy over this vaccine is that meningitis cases are rare.
Fewer than 1 out of every 100,000 people have gotten meningococcal disease between 2011 and 2017.
However, the consequences of meningitis can be very severe.
These are called MenB vaccines and are sold under the brand names Bexsero and Trumenba.
It is an option when MenACWY and MenB vaccines are recommended in the same visit.
Meningitis Vaccine Schedule
The CDCs meningococcal vaccine recommendations differ depending on age, and other risk factors.
Then, they receive a booster around the age of 16.
Young adults aged 10 through 25mayreceive a MenB vaccine.
The preferred age of administration is between 16 and 18.
Bexsero is a two-dose vaccine.
Doses are given at least one month apart.
Adults
Adults can also opt to get a meningococcal vaccine.
These vaccines do not contain preservatives or adjuvants (additives that enhance the immune response).
The specific proteins differ, depending on whether you receive Bexsero or Trumenba.
Side Effects
The side effects of meningococcal vaccines are similar to those normally seen with vaccines.
Summary
Meningococcal disease is rare in the U.S., but it can be very dangerous.
The meningococcal vaccines are safe and effective but not iron-clad ways to protect your child or yourself.
The quadrivalent MenACWY vaccine is recommended at age 11 or 12, with a booster at age 16.
The MenB vaccine protects against an additional pop in, but it is optional.
A combination vaccine is also available that protects against all types.
These outbreaks are rare, but its still important to protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Meningitis is inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
If you have meningococcal disease you might not have meningitis.
Similarly, if you have meningitis, it may not have been caused byNeisseria meningitidis.
According to the CDC, about 240 people in the U.S. had meningococcal disease in 2020.
The symptoms of meningitis are often similar, no matter what causes the disease.
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