Brady Collins
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Caused by bacteria or viruses, bacterial meningitis is the only type that can be prevented through immunization. In the US, both meningitis vaccines (ACWY and B) are listed on the CDC's recommended vaccinations. However, the requirements for school admission vary from state to state. For instance, in Texas, meningitis immunization is required for college-bound students, while in North Carolina, a booster dose of the MenACWY vaccine is required for students entering the 12th grade. In New York, all children must receive all required doses of vaccines to attend school, unless they have a valid medical exemption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | North Carolina |
| Requirement | Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) |
| Applicable to | Students entering 7th grade or by 12 years of age |
| Exemption | Students entering 12th grade before August 1, 2020 |
| Booster dose | Required for students entering 12th grade or by 17 years of age |
| Exemption from booster dose | Adolescents receiving the first dose on or after their 16th birthday |
| Location | Texas |
| Requirement | All CDC-recommended vaccines |
| Applicable to | Students entering kindergarten, junior high, or college |
| Exemption | Students with a valid medical exemption |
| Location | New York |
| Requirement | All required vaccinations |
| Applicable to | Students attending pre-K through 12th grade |
| Exemption | Students with a valid medical exemption |
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What You'll Learn
Meningitis vaccine requirements for public school students
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many kinds of bacteria and viruses. Meningitis caused by the bacteria meningococcus is among the most severe and common types. Meningococcal disease can spread from person to person through close or lengthy contact with someone's saliva, such as through kissing or coughing, especially if they are living in the same place.
The two main meningitis vaccines are MenACWY and MenB. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that cause diseases including infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). The MenB vaccine provides immunity against serogroup B meningococcal disease, which does not fall under the protection of the MenACWY vaccine.
In the United States, the requirements for meningitis vaccination for public school students vary by state and grade level. Here are some examples:
- In North Carolina, starting from August 1, 2020, a booster dose of the MenACWY vaccine is required for students entering the 12th grade in public, private, or religious schools. Students who do not meet this requirement may not be allowed to attend school until they receive the booster dose.
- In Davidson County, North Carolina, one dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade or by 12 years of age, whichever comes first. A booster dose is then required for individuals entering the 12th grade or by 17 years of age, unless the first dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday.
- In Texas, meningitis immunization is required for college-bound students. The state offers provisional enrollment for students who are in the process of receiving their vaccinations, allowing them to attend school temporarily until they receive the necessary doses.
- In New York, all children attending public, private, and religious schools from pre-K through 12th grade must receive all required doses of vaccines, including meningitis vaccination, unless they have a valid medical exemption.
It is important to note that requirements may change over time, and parents or guardians should consult their local health department, student health center, or their child's physician for the most up-to-date information on vaccine requirements for their specific state and school district.
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Meningitis B vaccine recommendations
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that causes meningitis and bloodstream infections. It can be deadly, but vaccines like MenACWY and MenB help prevent it. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all adolescents and individuals at increased risk.
The CDC's list of recommended vaccinations includes both meningitis vaccines (ACWY and B). However, the MenB vaccine, which provides immunity for meningitis B, is less often required for school/college admission. Meningitis B is a rare form of bacterial meningitis that disproportionately affects children under one and young adults between 16 and 24.
The MenB vaccine is particularly recommended for those at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease, such as those with anatomic or functional asplenia, complement component deficiencies, or complement inhibitor use, as well as microbiologists routinely exposed to N. meningitidis isolates.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the MenB-4C vaccine be administered as a 2-dose or 3-dose series at intervals of 0, 1-2, and 6 months. This updated dosing schedule provides improved immune protection compared to the previous 2-dose schedule with shorter intervals.
School Requirements
While the MenB vaccine is not always mandatory for school admission, some states and educational institutions may have specific requirements. For example, as of August 1, 2020, a booster dose of the MenACWY vaccine was required for students entering the 12th grade in North Carolina's public, private, and religious schools. Students who did not meet this requirement were not allowed to attend school until they received the booster dose.
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Meningococcal disease and its prevention
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial illness that can cause severe swelling of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or infection of the bloodstream (meningococcal septicemia). It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through close or lengthy contact with an infected person, including through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like saliva. Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain factors, such as age, can increase the risk. Young children under the age of 1 and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 are particularly susceptible.
The disease can progress rapidly, sometimes leading to death within 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Early symptoms may include a sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck, which can be similar to influenza (flu). If left untreated, the infection can cause permanent disabilities, including brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss, and amputation of limbs. Therefore, early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent meningococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three types of meningococcal vaccines currently available in the US: MenACWY, MenB, and MenABCWY. The MenACWY vaccine protects against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) responsible for meningitis and bloodstream infections. A booster dose of MenACWY is typically given to adolescents entering the 12th grade to ensure continued protection.
While the meningitis B vaccine (MenB) is not always required for school admission, it is still crucial for protection against Neisseria meningitidis, as this bacteria can be highly lethal within a short period. The FDA-approved vaccines for meningitis B include Bexsero and Trumenba. Parents and young adults are advised to consult their healthcare providers for vaccine recommendations and administration.
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Meningitis vaccine exemptions
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many kinds of bacteria and viruses, but bacterial meningitis is the only type that can be prevented through immunization. The two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines for meningitis are Bexsero and Trumenba.
In the United States, while both the meningitis vaccines (ACWY and B) are listed on the CDC's list of recommended vaccinations, the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine is less frequently required for school/college admission. However, recent college outbreaks have been reported at Rutgers, Columbia, and San Diego State University, the latter of which now requires the meningitis B vaccine for all students.
In North Carolina, as of August 1, 2020, a booster dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) is required for students entering the 12th grade in public, private, or religious schools. Students who do not meet this requirement may not be allowed to attend school until they receive the booster dose.
It is important to note that the MenACWY vaccine does not protect against serogroup B disease, and meningococcal serogroup B vaccines (MenB) do not protect against serogroup A, C, W, or Y disease. As such, it is recommended that teens receive both meningitis vaccines for the most complete protection.
Parents and young adults should consult with their child's pediatrician or primary care physician for information on vaccine administration and requirements specific to their state or school.
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Meningitis vaccine safety
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many kinds of bacteria and viruses. Meningitis caused by a bacteria called "meningococcus" is among the most serious. Meningococcal meningitis is a severe and life-threatening condition that can cause death within hours. The bacteria that cause this infection can spread when people have close contact with someone’s saliva, such as through kissing, coughing, or sharing eating utensils and cups.
The meningococcal vaccine, also called the meningitis vaccine, protects against the Neisseria meningitides bacteria. This bacteria has six types: A, B, C, W, X, and Y. Serogroups are another name for these subgroups. When bacteria invade the body, they can infect the bloodstream and cause sepsis. It can also infect the meninges, the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis.
The two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines for meningitis B are Bexsero and Trumenba. The two types of meningitis vaccines available in the U.S. are Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and Meningococcal B (MenB). MenACWY vaccines provide no protection against serogroup B disease, and meningococcal serogroup B vaccines (MenB) provide no protection against serogroup A, C, W, or Y disease.
The MenACWY vaccine is the best protection against meningococcal disease, which most often affects young people. It is vital that children and adolescents receive all their immunizations on schedule to ensure they are fully protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases, including some of the major causes of meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that babies under 1 year and people aged 16–23 years are most likely to contract it. The CDC recommends that all children receive the MenACWY vaccine at 11–12 and the booster at 16. The preferred age to have the MenB vaccine is between 16 and 18, but people up to 23 years can also benefit from vaccination.
Like any medication, the meningitis vaccine has the potential to cause side effects. However, the side effects of the meningitis vaccine are typically mild and go away within a few days. The most common vaccine effect is shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA is an adverse reaction when a healthcare provider administers the vaccine improperly. It is a shoulder injury that occurs when a vaccine is administered too high into the deltoid or shoulder joint.
Findings from vaccine safety monitoring systems and scientific studies have shown that MenACWY and MenB vaccines have a favorable safety profile—the body of scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports their safety.
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Frequently asked questions
In the U.S., public schools in North Carolina and Texas require the meningitis vaccine for enrollment. In New York, students are required to receive all recommended vaccines unless they have a valid medical exemption.
The MenACWY vaccine is required for school enrollment. This vaccine helps protect against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that cause meningitis.
No, the meningitis B vaccine is not required for school. However, it is listed on the CDC's list of recommended vaccinations.
In some cases, students may be enrolled provisionally without the meningitis vaccine. For example, in Texas, students have up to 30 days to receive the necessary vaccine(s) or provide a valid vaccine exemption.
