Meningococcal vaccine

Getting vaccinated regularly is an essential way to safeguard yourself and your community. Routine vaccinations reduce the risk of severe disease and minimize the chances of complications if you do happen to fall ill.

At Aurora Health Care, we make it convenient to get the treatment you need. Our preventive care team offers routine vaccinations and other services in multiple locations across Wisconsin.

What is the meningococcal vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine is an immunization that protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the tissues covering your brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through respiratory droplets from person to person. Fortunately, vaccination has greatly reduced the existence of the disease.

Who should receive the meningitis vaccine?

Health care providers recommend the meningitis vaccine for all adolescents and young adults. Babies, young children and older adults may also require the meningococcal vaccine if they:

• Have been exposed to a meningococcal disease outbreak
• Have certain immune disorders, sickle cell disease, HIV or have undergone spleen removal
• Need travel vaccinations before visiting a country with a high risk of meningococcal disease
• Take complement inhibitor medications (Ultomiris® or Soliris®)

At what age is the meningococcal vaccine administered?

Health care providers typically give the meningococcal vaccine to children and teens between the ages of 11 and 18, depending on which meningococcal vaccine is administered.

Meningococcal vaccine schedule

The type of meningococcal vaccine you need varies based on your age. The FDA has approved two vaccines for protecting against meningitis: meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB).

For the MenACWY vaccine, experts recommend getting the shot at:

• 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at 16 years old
• 13 to 18 years old, if you missed getting the shot at a younger age. Teenagers between 13 and 15 should get an additional booster dose between ages 16 to 18. Those who get their first shot after 16 don’t need a booster.

For the MenB vaccine, experts recommend getting the shot at 16 to 23 years old. The MenB vaccine is given in two doses at least four weeks apart, ideally when teens are between 16 and 18.

How often do you need the meningococcal vaccine?

Adolescents and teenagers receiving the meningococcal vaccine typically require two doses of either MenACWY or MenB. The only exception is for those receiving the MenACWY vaccine after age 16.

Babies and adults receiving the meningococcal vaccine may or may not need multiple doses. You can ask your health care provider whether you require meningococcal booster shots.

Side effects of the meningococcal vaccine

While rare, side effects can occur following the meningitis vaccine. Typically, any side effects go away within one to two days after vaccination. You may experience:

• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Headaches
• Muscle soreness
• Nausea
• Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site