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Meningococcal Immunization Information
Description
Meningococcal is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, bloodstream infection, and other localized infections.
Symptoms
Meningitis, which is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, is characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and mental status changes.
Meningococcal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection characterized by sudden onset of fever and, in severe cases, a rash.
Complications
Meningococcal disease can lead to death or permanent impairment, including hearing loss, mental impairment, or loss of limbs.
Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections that can result in multiple organ system failure, shock, and death.
Transmission
The disease is spread person-to-person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., by coughing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils). Close household contacts of persons with meningococcal disease are at greatly increased risk of infection.
Vaccine
There are two meningococcal vaccines available in the U.S.:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV)
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people ages 11-55, but MPSV4 can be used when MCV4 is not available.
Meningococcal vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11-18 years of age.
As an adult, do I need it?
You should get one of the above meningococcal vaccines if:
- You are a college first-year college student living in a dormitory
- You are a military recruit
- You have a damaged spleen or your spleen has been removed
- You have terminal complement deficiency, an immune system disorder
- You are a microbiologist who is routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- You are traveling or residing in countries in which the disease is common.
Vaccine Information Statement
Meningococcal Fact Sheet English (pdf)
Meningococcal Fact Sheet Spanish (pdf)
