Meningococcal Vaccine: Protection Against a Serious Disease
What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord) or bloodstream infection (sepsis).
Meningococcal disease is most common in infants, young children, and teenagers, but it can occur at any age.
What is the Meningococcal Vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine is a vaccine that protects against infection by Neisseria meningitidis. There are different versions of the vaccine that are effective against some or all of the different serogroups (strains) of the bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens as well as other children and adults at increased risk.
How Does the Meningococcal Vaccine Work?
The meningococcal vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies that protect against the bacteria. These antibodies can prevent the bacteria from causing infection.
The vaccine is given as a shot in the arm.
Who Should Get the Meningococcal Vaccine?
The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for the following people:
*- All preteens and teens (ages 11-18)
- People who live in or travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common
- People who have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system
- People who work in certain occupations, such as healthcare workers and laboratory workers
Is the Meningococcal Vaccine Safe?
The meningococcal vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. The most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
More serious side effects are rare.
How Effective is the Meningococcal Vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine is highly effective in preventing meningococcal disease. The vaccine is about 90% effective in preventing serogroup B meningococcal disease and about 100% effective in preventing serogroup C meningococcal disease.
The vaccine does not provide complete protection against all serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis.
Meningococcal Vaccine: Conclusion
Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can be prevented by vaccination. The meningococcal vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is recommended for all preteens and teens as well as other children and adults at increased risk.
Talk to your doctor about whether the meningococcal vaccine is right for you.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningococcal Disease
- World Health Organization: Meningococcal Meningitis
- Mayo Clinic: Meningitis
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