You cannot get infected with the disease by the vaccine.

People with these mild illnesses generally don’t need to delay or opt out of the vaccine.

For people with moderate to severe acute illness, the benefits must be weighed against the risks.

bandage on arm after getting shot

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Your healthcare provider can help determine whether you are healthy for the vaccine.

VAERS is only for reporting and does not give medical advice.

Whether or not pregnant people should receive the vaccine depends on weighing risk vs. benefit.

Talk to your healthcare provider before getting a meningitis vaccine if you are pregnant.

To learn more, visit the CDC’sVaccine Safety Monitoring Programwebsite.

Most people can safely get the vaccine with no or minor side effects.

The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all preteens and teens as part of their routine vaccination schedule.

The MenB vaccine may also be advised for some teens and young adults.

People of other ages may benefit from the vaccine if they have a higher risk of getting the illness.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the meningitis vaccine is right for you or your child.

Johns Hopkins.Meningococcal vaccine for teens.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccine safety.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.

Public Health Agency of Canada.Contraindications and precautions: Canadian immunization guide.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal ACWY VIS.

Simmons University.State-by-state vaccination exemptions.