The Meningitis Vaccines: What Parents Should Know

Many colleges require that students get a meningitis vaccine before moving into a dorm. Some summer camps also require or recommend the vaccine. Why?

Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that can result from many different types of viruses or bacteria. Not all types of meningitis can be prevented with vaccines. But the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are a leading cause of meningitis in teens and young adults. Fortunately, immunizations do protect against most types of meningococcal disease.

Why do teens need a meningitis vaccine?

Of the more than 2,600 people who get meningococcal disease each year, one-third are teens and young adults. Ten percent to 15% of those who get sick with the disease will die, even with antibiotic treatment. Up to 20% will have permanent side effects, such as hearing loss or brain damage. This is why immunizations against meningitis are so important. They can help prevent this serious disease.

Which meningitis vaccines are available?

In the U.S., two meningococcal vaccines are available:

• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4), sold as Menomune
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), sold as Menactra
  

These meningitis vaccines can prevent four of five types of meningococcal disease, which represents about 70% of the cases in the U.S.

MPSV4 lasts for at least three years. It protects at least 85% of older children, teens, and young adults who receive it against four strains of meningococcal disease.

MCV4 provides more lasting protection than MPSV4 against these four strains. It also decreases carrier rates of meningococcal bacteria, which may help prevent its spread.

MCV4 vaccine is the preferred vaccine for people 11 to 55 years of age. The doctor or nurse injects one dose into the muscle. If MCV4 is not available, you can use MPSV4. The doctor or nurse injects one dose beneath the skin. If your child previously received MPSV4, ask the doctor whether it is necessary to revaccinate with MCV4.

Either vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, but at a different site on the body.

Who needs a meningitis vaccine?

The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for:

• All children age 11-18.
• Anyone who has been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
• Anyone traveling to or living where meningitis is common, such as in sub-Saharan Africa
• Military recruits
• People with certain immune system disorders or a damaged or missing spleen

Who should not get a meningitis vaccine?

Your preteen or teen should not get the meningococcal vaccine if he or she has had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous meningococcal vaccine, to any vaccine component, or to latex.

Before getting a meningococcal vaccine, it is important for your child to tell the doctor:

• About any severe allergies
• If he or she is moderately or severely ill (the vaccine may need to be rescheduled)
• Whether he or she has been diagnosed in the past with Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Whether she's pregnant - MCV4 is new and has not been studied with pregnant women as much as MPSV4 has.