Overview
Meningococcal Disease is serious and can turn deadly in hours. With meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling.
The disease is caused by by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. There are at least 13 different subtypes (serogroups) of this bacteria, five of which cause almost all invasive diseases. These are serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W. Three serogroups cause the most meningococcal disease: B, C, and Y.
There are three vaccines for meningococcal disease that protect against their corresponding serogroups: MenACWY, MenB, and MenABCWY.
Childhood Recommendations
MenACWY should be given to all adolescents aged 11–12 years with a booster vaccine at 16 years old. The booster is recommended for all teens who received their first vaccine before their 16th birthday. If the vaccine was received after the 16th birthday, they do not need the booster vaccine.
Teens may get a MenB vaccine at age 16 through 18 years. While teens may choose the get the vaccine, certain teens should get the vaccine.
Preteens and teens who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit can receive the MenABCWY vaccine instead.
Adult recommendations
MenACWY and MenB are recommended for adults with risk factors.
Pregnant women should not receive these vaccines in general.
Immunization schedules
Childhood schedules:
Adult schedule:
Additional information about the meningococcal vaccines
Meningococcal B Vaccine Information Statement
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Information Statement
CDC’s Meningococcal Disease main page