Meningococcal Vaccine The meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal disease, which can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious infections. Two kinds of meningococcal ( meh-nin-guh-KOK-uh1 ) vaccines are currently given to kids in the United States: The meningococcal conjugate vaccine ( MenACWY ) protect against four types of meningococcal bacteria ( types A,C,W, and Y ). it is recommended for all kids and teens age 11 and older. some types of MenACWY are given to younger children (as early as 8 weeks of age) if they have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. The meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) protects against a fifth type of meningococcal bacterium (called type B). it is fairly new and not yet recommended as a routine vaccination for healthy people. but some kids and teens who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease should get it starting from age 10. other who are not at increased risk may also get it between the ages of 16 and 23 ( preferably between 16 through 18 as that is when tge risk of getting infected is highest ). the decision to get the MenB vaccine is made by the teen, their parent, and their doctor. When Are Meningococcal Vaccines Given? Vaccination with MenACWY is recommended: When kids are 11 or 12 years old, with a booster given at age 16 for teens 13-18 years old who have't been vaccinated yet Those who have their first dose between the ages of 13-15 should get a booster dose between the ages of 16-18. teens who get their first dose after age 16 won't need a booster dose. Kids and teens who are at higher risk for meningococcal disease need the full series of MenACWY vaccines, even if they're younger than 11 years old. this includes kids who: Liver in or travel to countries where the disease is common are present during an outbreak of the disease. have some kinds of immune disorders. if the immune disorders are chronic, these kids also need a booster dose a few years later, depending on their age at the first dose. The MenACWY vaccine is also especially important for students who live in college dorms and for military recruits. The sequence and dosage depend on the child's age, medical condition, and vaccine brand. Some types of neningococcal vaccines can be given as early as 8 week of age. Kids 10 years and older with these risk factors also should get the MenB vaccine. they'11 need 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. they might need more booster doses if the risk factor remains. For those without risk factors, the decision to receive the MenB vaccine should be made together by teens, their parent, and the doctor. for them, the preferred age range is 16-18 years. Usually, they need 2 doses. The MenACWT and MenB vaccine can be given at the same time, but at a different place on the body. What are the Possible Side effects of Meningococcal Vaccines? Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or tiredness. Serious problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare. The meningococcal vaccines Contain only a small piece of the germ, so it can't cause meningococcal disease.
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