The Meningococcal Vaccine

The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcus, which can cause infections in the brain (meningitis) or bloodstream (sepsis).

The disease is so fast and serious that a healthy child who gets it can be in a coma or die withinhours. One in 10 people who are infected will die.

There are three kinds of meningococcal vaccines. They protect against different types of the disease:

1. The “MenACWY” vaccine, which is the most common version. It protects against four types of meningococcus (called A, C, W and Y).
2. The “MenB” vaccine, which is newer and protects against another common type of meningococcus (called B).  
3. The “MenABCWY” vaccine, which combines the first two vaccines into one dose.

The original meningococcus vaccine was introduced in the 1970s.

North Carolina Requirements for Children and College/University Students

Teenagers need two doses of the “MenACWY” or “MenABCWY” vaccine:

• One dose before starting 7^th grade.
• A booster before starting 12^th grade.

Students starting college or university in North Carolina must have received one or two doses, depending on their age. If not, they are required to get them.

See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Recommended Doses for Others

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the meningococcal vaccine for younger children and older adults, under certain circumstances.

See Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations (CDC).

Side Effects

The meningococcal vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the meningococcal vaccine, they most often include pain and swelling where the vaccine is given.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

• Meningcococcal: The Disease and Vaccine (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• History of Bacterial Meningitis (College of Physicians of Philadelphia)
• MenACWY Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• MenB Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.