Trevor James
Meningitis is a serious and contagious disease that can cause brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and even death. It is caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While there are several types of meningitis, bacterial meningitis is the only type that can be prevented through immunization. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against different serogroups of meningococcal disease, while the MenB vaccine is needed for protection against neisseria meningitidis. The CDC recommends that all preteens, teens, and people at increased risk receive the meningococcal vaccine, with a booster dose at age 16. College students are particularly vulnerable to meningitis due to living in close quarters, and several colleges have started requiring the meningitis B vaccine for all students. The vaccine is available at various locations, including healthcare providers' offices, pharmacies, and federally funded health centers, and is typically covered by private health insurance plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should get the meningitis vaccine? | All preteens, teens, and people at increased risk are recommended to get the meningitis vaccine. |
| What type of meningitis does the vaccine protect against? | The MenACWY vaccine protects against serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease. The MenB vaccine protects against serogroup B meningococcal disease. |
| How many doses are required? | For the MenACWY vaccine, one dose is recommended for adolescents aged 11-12, with a booster dose at age 16. For the MenB vaccine, two doses are recommended, administered 6 months apart, preferably between the ages of 16 and 18. |
| Who is at the highest risk for meningitis? | Infants, people with weakened immune systems, college freshmen living in dorms, and teenagers aged 16-23 are at the highest risk for meningitis. |
| Where can you get the meningitis vaccine? | The meningitis vaccine is available at healthcare providers' offices, pharmacies, federally funded health centers, and community health departments. |
| How can you cover the cost of the vaccine? | Most private health insurance plans cover the meningitis vaccine. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines for children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. |
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What You'll Learn
Who is at risk of meningitis?
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain factors can increase the risk of contracting meningitis. The disease is caused by the "meningococcus" bacteria and is among the most serious forms of meningitis. Meningitis B, caused by this bacteria, is relatively rare but can be very serious, with children under the age of 1 and young adults between 16 and 24 being disproportionately affected.
The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for preteens and teens, as well as people at increased risk for meningococcal disease. This includes people with weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions, such as HIV, or those receiving complement inhibitors like eculizumab (Soliris) and ravulizumab (Ultomiris).
Additionally, individuals with close or lengthy contact with someone infected with meningococcal disease are at higher risk, especially if there is direct exposure to oral secretions, such as through kissing. Outbreaks are more common in crowded settings like college dormitories and military barracks, where people live in close quarters and share personal items.
Age is also a factor, with infants, teens, young adults, and older adults having the highest rates of meningococcal disease. It is important to note that even with vaccination, some cases of meningococcal disease may still occur in individuals receiving complement inhibitors.
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Where to get the meningitis vaccine
The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which refers to any illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and bloodstream infection. Vaccines exist for three different types of meningitis-causing bacteria.
The CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for children aged 11 to 12 years old, with a booster at 16 years old. Children and adults who are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. For individuals 10 years or older at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, a 3-dose primary series with a booster 1 year after the series completion is recommended.
You can get the meningitis vaccine at the following locations:
- A healthcare provider's office or pharmacy: For adults, these are usually the best places to receive the meningitis vaccine. If your healthcare provider doesn't offer the vaccine, ask for a referral.
- Federally funded health centers: These centers can provide services if you don't have a regular source of healthcare.
- Rite Aid: Rite Aid offers meningitis vaccination services and resources.
- Walgreens: Walgreens offers meningitis vaccination services and resources.
- Kroger: Kroger pharmacies and The Little Clinic offer meningitis vaccination appointments.
- Your local health department: Contact your health department to learn more about where to get the meningitis vaccine in your community.
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How to cover the cost of the vaccine
The meningitis vaccine is recommended for all preteens, teens, and people at increased risk. The cost of the vaccine varies depending on the type and the patient's age. The Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine costs $170 to $230 without insurance, while the Meningococcal Serogroup B (MenB) vaccine costs $190 to $280.
Insurance Coverage
Most private health insurance plans cover meningitis vaccines. Check with your insurance provider to confirm cost information and to find in-network vaccine providers. If you are eligible for Medicare Part B, you may be able to receive the vaccine at no cost at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
The VFC program provides free meningitis vaccines for eligible children aged 18 and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible or -enrolled, or American Indian or Alaska Native. This program ensures that children can receive the necessary vaccines regardless of their family's ability to pay.
School and Local Health Department Initiatives
Many schools and local health departments offer free or discounted meningitis vaccines for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Contact your local health department or educational institution to learn about the specific initiatives in your area.
Pharmacy Rewards Programs
Some pharmacies, such as CVS, offer incentives for vaccinations. For example, you can join the ExtraCare program for free and receive $2 in ExtraBucks Rewards for every vaccination, including the meningitis vaccine.
Federally Funded Health Centers
If you do not have a regular source of healthcare, you can locate federally funded health centers that may be able to provide the meningitis vaccine at a reduced cost or for free.
It is important to note that the availability and eligibility for these options may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. Always consult with your healthcare provider or local health department for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding vaccine costs and coverage options.
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Meningitis symptoms
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many kinds of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. In the early stages, there may not be a rash, or the rash may fade when pressure is applied. However, if a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis, and you should call emergency services. The rash usually starts as small, red pinpricks before spreading quickly and turning into red or purple blotches. It can be harder to see on brown or black skin, so check paler areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, roof of the mouth, tummy, whites of the eyes, or the inside of the eyelids.
Meningitis B is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by the bacteria "meningococcus". It is relatively rare but disproportionately affects children under the age of 1 and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. The symptoms of meningitis B can mimic the flu, with nausea, muscle pain, and fever. If symptoms include neck stiffness, severe headache, and sensitivity to light, seek immediate medical attention.
Bacterial meningitis is the only type that can be prevented through immunization. Meningococcal vaccines are recommended for all preteens, teens, and people at increased risk. The MenACWY vaccine provides no protection against serogroup B disease, and meningococcal serogroup B vaccines (MenB) provide no protection against serogroup A, C, W, or Y disease. It is critical that families understand that MenB is needed for protection against neisseria meningitidis, as all types of this bacteria can be highly lethal in a short period of time.
If you are concerned that you or someone you are looking after may have meningitis, trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Seek medical help immediately. A healthcare provider can determine if you have meningitis, what's causing it, and the best treatment.
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Meningitis B vaccine
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 B is caused by a bacteria called "meningococcus" and is among the most serious forms of meningitis. It is relatively rare but disproportionately affects children under the age of 1 and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. The symptoms of meningitis B can mimic the flu, with nausea, muscle pain, and fever. If symptoms include neck stiffness, severe headache, and sensitivity to light, seek immediate medical attention.
The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria cause meningitis and sepsis, striking rapidly and unexpectedly in healthy individuals. The disease is deadly, with a case-fatality rate of 10-15%. Even those who survive can suffer long-term disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, limb loss, nervous system problems, or severe scars. Therefore, it is critical to get vaccinated, especially for those at increased risk, including people whose spleens are damaged or removed, those with rare immune system conditions, or those taking certain drugs.
The meningococcal B vaccine can help protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B. There are two FDA-approved vaccines for meningitis B: Bexsero and Trumenba. For best protection, more than one dose of the vaccine is needed, and the same vaccine must be used for all doses. The preferred age for Men B vaccination is 16 through 18 years, but it can be administered to those 10 years or older at increased risk. The CDC recommends that preteens, teens, and people at increased risk receive the vaccine.
It is important to note that the Men B vaccine has a short duration of action, and there is limited information about its clinical efficacy and safety. Additionally, the vaccine may not be suitable for pregnant women unless the benefits are considered to outweigh the potential risks. Common side effects after receiving the vaccine include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhea.
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Frequently asked questions
The meningitis vaccine is recommended for all preteens, teens, and people at increased risk. However, it is not mandatory.
You can get the meningitis vaccine at a healthcare provider's office, pharmacy, or federally funded health centre.
Yes, there are three types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States, each protecting against different serogroups of meningococcal disease.
The number of doses depends on your age and risk factors. Teens and young adults aged 16-23 typically receive two doses at least one month apart, with a booster every two to three years.
Early symptoms of meningitis may resemble the flu, including nausea, muscle pain, fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, and sensitivity to light. It can also cause a purple-spotted rash, a drop in blood pressure, and vomiting.
