The information below will tell you all you need to know about meningococcal disease vaccination. Click the button below to learn about vaccine requirements for your school!
There are two main vaccines widely available in the United States that protect young adults against meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine called Menomune (MPSV4)
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine called Menactra, Menveo, or MenHibrix (MCV4)
Each vaccine will have a different set of side effects. However, the most common among them are allergic reactions and swelling or pain at the site of vaccine injection. More dangerous side effects include short fainting spells or involuntary jerking or twitching movements. If these problems occur, they reside within 1 to 2 days. Death occurring due to vaccination is extremely unlikely. Both vaccines prevent against four different types of meningococcal disease, two to three of which are common in the United States. Immunization with MCV4 or MPSV4 does not protect against viral, parasitic, or fungal forms of meningococcal infection. These specific types of injections are recommended between 11 and 18 years of age including additional boosters up to every four years.
Who shouldn't be vaccinated against meningitis?
Overall immunization against meningococcal disease is highly recommended as an effective way to reduce prevalence of infection in any and all individuals. However, there are circumstances wherein immunization is not recommended. This includes but is not restricted to:
Those with any previous allergic reactions to MCV4 or MPSV4 in the past
Anyone with a severe allergy to any ingredient present in the vaccine
Those who are moderately to severely ill at the time of vaccination, waiting until recovery is recommended
MPSV4 has been studied and verified as a safe vaccine for pregnant women, however MCV4 has not yet been studied but is still recommended when necessary
Children with sickle cell disease
Anyone with spleen dysfunction or disease
Meningitis Vaccination costs
Those who are covered by health insurance will pay an average of $100 to $150 for a single dose. Most health care plans with automatically cover meningococcal vaccinations because it is deemed a necessary medical requirement in modern medicine. The payment usually requires a copay for both the doctor visit and the vaccination itself, depending on coverage. Those who are strongly urged to receive immunization include college students, military personnel, frequent international travelers, and immunocompromised individuals. For those not covered by health insurance, public health clinics and county health departments often offer special discounts or free vaccinations to those in need. These are not widespread in every county and should be researched depending on residence area.