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| Vaccine-Preventable Diseases |
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Meningococcal Disease |
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Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening illness. It is caused by bacteria that infect the blood, brain, and spinal cord. It is one of the most serious causes of meningitis. |
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The disease is spread person-to-person. It is easily spread in crowded settings. You can catch meningitis from a person who looks healthy. |
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Even with proper treatment, 10% to 15% of people with meningococcal disease die. Of the people who survive, as many as 20% suffer from some serious complication, such as loss of an arm or leg, brain damage, or permanent hearing loss. Meningitis can cause shock, coma, and death within hours of the first symptom. |
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The disease most often strikes older teens and young adults. If you travel internationally or have certain medical conditions, you may also be at risk. |
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Vaccination is the best way to prevent meningitis. |
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| Meningococcal Vaccine Schedule |
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Vaccination is the best way to
prevent meningitis. There are
two different types of
meningococcal vaccine: MenACWY
(conjugate), and MenB (serogroup
B) vaccines.
MenACWY is given to preteens and
teens at age 11 or 12 years. A
booster dose is needed at 16
years. Teens and young adults
age 16 through 23 years may also
be given MenB. People of all
ages with certain medical
conditions (particularly lack of
a functioning spleen) should be
vaccinated and some should
receive booster doses throughout
life. Travelers to certain
countries should also get
vaccinated. |
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| Meningococcal Disease |
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| Find in-depth information about the disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
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| National Meningitis Association |
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| NMA is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or suffered long-term disabilities from meningococcal meningitis. The website includes meningitis news by state, as well as video accounts of meningococcal meningitis. |
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| Meningitis Angels |
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| Meningitis Angels is a nonprofit organization composed of survivors and families of meningitis victims. They offer information and support to families affected by meningitis. |
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Video Library |
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| It's the Right Thing to Do: NMA M.O.M.s (Moms on Meningitis) encourage parents to get their children vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination against serogroups A, C, W, and Y for all children aged 11-12 with a booster at age 16. |
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| >> view all meningococcal videos |
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| Personal Testimonies |
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| Stories of suffering and loss from meningococcal disease |
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| More Meningococcal Information |
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| This page was updated
on December 10, 2021. |
| This page was reviewed
on June 2, 2021. |
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Immunize.org • 2136 Ford Parkway • Suite 5011 • Saint Paul, Minnesota • 55116 |
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tel 651-647-9009 • fax 651-647-9131 |
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Immunize.org (IAC), a non-profit organization, works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance delivery of safe and effective immunization services. IAC also facilitates communication about the safety, efficacy, and use of vaccines within the broad immunization community of patients, parents, healthcare organizations, and government health agencies. |
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