Children's Vaccines Health Center

Understanding Meningitis -- Prevention

Meningitis is usually caused by many different viruses and bacteria. So the best methods of avoiding it vary, depending on your age, health, and environment. 

But by getting vaccinated and taking sensible precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Here's what you need to know about meningitis prevention.

Who Is Most at Risk for Meningitis?

Anyone can develop just about any kind of meningitis. But research has shown that some age groups have higher rates of meningitis than others. They are:

• Children under age 5
• Teenagers and young adults aged 16-25
• Adults over age 55

Studies have shown that meningitis is more of a danger for people with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged or missing spleen, chronic disease, or immune system disorders. 

Because certain germs that cause meningitis can be contagious, outbreaks are most likely where people are living in close quarters. So college students in dorms or army recruits in barracks are at higher risk. So are people traveling to areas where meningitis is more common, such as parts of Africa.

However, keep this in mind. Even if your personal odds of getting meningitis are higher than average, it's still a rare disease.

Meningitis Vaccines

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious disease -- even with treatment. That's why prevention is a far better approach. The meningococcal vaccine can prevent meningitis infection. In the U.S., two types of meningococcal vaccines are used:

• meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) -- One of these vaccines, Menactra, is approved for people ages 9 months to 55. The other, Menveo is used in those ages 2 through 55.
• meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) -- the only vaccine used for people older than age 55.

Although they cannot prevent all types of meningococcal disease, both vaccines can prevent many types of the disease. Both are effective in nine out of 10 people. MCV4 tends to give longer protection and is better at preventing transmission of the disease.

Doctors recommend a dose of MCV4, which is given as a shot, for children ages 11 to 12. A second, booster dose is given at age 16. Other people at risk should also consider getting a vaccine. That includes:

• people who think they've been exposed to meningococcal meningitis
• college freshmen living in dorms
• U.S. military recruits
• travelers to areas of the world, such as Africa, where meningococcal disease is common
• people with a damaged spleen or with terminal complement component deficiency, which is an immune system disorder
• lab personnel who are often exposed to the meningococcal bacteria

Wait to get vaccinated if you are very ill at the time you're scheduled for the shot. Avoid the vaccine if you:

• have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose
• have a severe allergy to any vaccine component

Mild pain or redness at the injection site is common and should not be a problem. But call your doctor right away if you have a strong reaction to the vaccine. This includes a high fever, weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness.