The Meningitis Vaccines: What Parents Should Know
Many colleges require that students get a meninogococcal vaccine before moving into a dorm. Some summer camps also require or recommend the vaccine. Why?
Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens. Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that usually results from viruses or bacteria. Not all types of meningitis can be prevented with vaccines. Fortunately, immunization does protect against four types of meningococcal disease.
Rotavirus gets its name from the fact that, under a microscope, the virus resembles a wheel. And you could say, like you might say about a wheel, rotavirus goes round and round. This nasty, potentially lethal bug causes severe acute gastroenteritis with diarrhea and vomiting primarily in infants and young children. Fortunately, there is a safe rotavirus vaccine that can protect your children from this disease.
Read the Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine article > >
Why do teens need a meningococcal vaccine?
Of the 1,000- 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 immunization against meningococcal disease so important. It can help prevent this serious disease.
Which meningococcal vaccines are available?
In the U.S., three meningococcal vaccines are available:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4), sold as Menomune
-
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), sold as Menactra and Menveo
These meningitis vaccines can prevent four types of meningococcal disease, which represents about 70% of the cases in the U.S.
Menactra is the preferred vaccine for people age 9 months to 55 years old and Menveo is approved for those 2 to 55 years old. That's because they provide more lasting protection and decreases carrier rates of meningococcal bacteria, which may help prevent its spread. 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. Menomune is the only meningococcal vaccine licensed for use in people over 55.
Either vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Who needs a meningococcal vaccine?
The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for:
- All children ages 11-18 or certain younger high-risk children
- 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
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the first dose of vaccine be given at age 11 or 12 and then a second dose, the booster, should be given between age 16 to 18.
Who should not get a meningococcal 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, is moderately or severely ill (the vaccine may need to be rescheduled), or has ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Pregnant women can receive the meningococcal vaccine, but it's use must be clearly indicated. With the newer MCV4 vaccines, there hasn't been as much study in pregnant women compared to the MPSV4 vaccine.
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