This vaccine is important because meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children between the ages of 2 and 18 years.

Approximately 1,400 to 2,800 people living in the United States are diagnosed with a meningococcal disease annually, and 10 percent to 15 percent die. The death rate in teens and young adults with meningococcal disease is greater than 20 percent. Another 11 percent to 19 percent suffer life-long conditions including deafness, mental retardation, seizures, strokes, severe skin scarring requiring skin grafts, and loss of limbs or digits.

The meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the five types of meningococcal bacteria. Prevention is the key to not contracting meningococcal disease, and the most effective preventive method is the meningococcal vaccine.

Who should receive the meningococcal vaccines? Each meningococcal vaccine is recommended for different age groups and for varying specific circumstances. The meningococcal vaccine MPSV4 or MCV4 should be given to children between the ages of 2 years and 10 years who are at high risk for meningococcal disease (those without a spleen or a damaged spleen, those with certain immune deficiencies, those exposed during an outbreak and those traveling to parts of the world where meningococcal disease is common). Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for all 11-to-18 year olds who have never received a meningococcal vaccination at their annual medical visits. College students who will be living in dormitories who have never received a meningococcal vaccination also should get the MCV4 vaccine. People 11 to 55 years of age at high risk for meningococcal disease should be inoculated with the meningococcal vaccine MCV4 including: Military recruits People traveling to parts of the world where meningococcal disease is common Anyone who has been exposed to a meningococcal disease outbreak Microbiologists who could be exposed to meningococcal disease in the laboratory People who have a damaged spleen or have had their spleen removed People with certain immune deficiencies (e.g., complement) or who have had bone marrow transplants Those who should not be vaccinated with MCV4 include: Children under 11 years of age and adults over 55 years of age People who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component or a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine Anyone who is moderately to severely ill Pregnant women unless they are involved in an outbreak or at high risk Those who have ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome should discuss this vaccine with their primary health care provider before being inoculated. Review the vaccination schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one month behind.

When did the meningococcal vaccines become available?
In 1978, the first meningococcal vaccine (MPSV2) was approved for use in the United States against two types of meningococcal bacteria. In 1982, the vaccine was further developed to protect against two more types of meningococcal bacteria, and the FDA licensed MPSV4. In 2005, a new meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) that provides a longer duration of protection as well as several other benefits was approved for use among people between the ages of 11 and 55 years.

How does someone become infected with meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is spread by close personal contact.

How effective is the meningococcal vaccine?
The Meningococcal vaccines MPSV4 and MCV4 are highly effective at protecting recipients from diseases caused by four types of meningococcal bacteria (types A, C, Y and W-135). Even though they don’t protect against meningococcal bacteria type B, they still give those who have been vaccinated a much higher level of protection against meningococcal disease.

Are there any serious side effects of the meningococcal vaccines?
Mild side effects may include:

• injection-site soreness
• fever

In very rare cases, a serious allergic reaction may occur.

How do I learn more about these vaccines?
The best person to ask about these vaccines or any vaccine is your child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can answer your questions and give you more information on the meningococcal vaccines.

Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child and yourself to protect against meningococcal disease.