Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Teens and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis.1

What is meningococcal meningitis?

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 2 doses of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for adolescents 11 through 18 years of age.2
  • The first dose should be given at 11 or 12 years of age, followed by a booster dose at age 16
  • If the first dose is given at 13 through 15 years of age, the booster should be given at 16 through 18 years of age

Getting your child vaccinated is the best way to help protect preteens and teens from meningococcal disease.3 Meningitis vaccines are available for people who wish to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.2

Get Vaccinated Right Away

Now that you know how dangerous meningococcal disease is, take action right away. Ask your child’s school nurse about meningitis prevention or call your health care provider to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Next: Meningitis Booster Vaccination

Meningitis Vaccination

Related Links

Speak Up About Meningitis

References

  1. Atkinson W, Wolfe S, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, eds. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (The Pink Book). 12th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation; 2011.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years and adults aged 19 years and older—United States, 2013. MMWR.
  3. CDC. Meningococcal - Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/prevention.html. 2014. Accessed August 28, 2014.