meningococcal disease

INTRODUCTION

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord (called meningitis) or the blood (called meningococcemia). Meningococcal disease can make people very sick very quickly and can even be deadly.

How Meningococcal Disease Spreads & Who Is Affected

The bacteria are spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva (spit) or mucus. This can happen from coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks or utensils.
It is not as easy to catch as a cold or flu, but it spreads easily among people who live close together, such as college students, roommates, or people in the military.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but infants younger than 1 year old, teens and young adults (ages 16-23) are at higher risk.
Each year, about 300-500 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease. Even though it’s rare, it can be very dangerous.

Symptoms & Health Effects

Symptoms can start suddenly, sometimes within hours. Common signs include:

Fever and chills

Headache

Stiff neck

Nausea or vomiting

Sensitivity to light

Confusion or drowsiness

When infection is in the blood, people may also have:

Cold hands and feet

Fast breathing

A dark purple rash

Meningococcal disease can cause:

Brain damage or hearing loss

Loss of arms or legs (amputation)

Death (about 1 in 10 people with the disease may die, even with treatment)

Prevention

The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. You can also protect yourself by:

Not sharing drinks, eating utensils, lip balm, or anything that touches someone’s mouth

Washing your hands often

Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze

Meningococcal Vaccination: Who, When, & How

Who Should Get Vaccinated

There are three kinds of meningococcal vaccines.

MenACWY vaccine protects against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y).

MenB vaccine protects against type B.

MenABCWY vaccine protects against all 5 types (A, B, C, W, and Y).

Routine recommendations:

Preteens (11-12 years old) should get one dose of MenACWY vaccine.

Teens (16 years old) should get a MenACWY booster dose.

Young adults (16-23 years old) may also get the MenB vaccine, preferably at ages 16-18. Ask your healthcare provider if it’s right for you.

Other people at high risk for meningitis may also receive meningococcal vaccines. This includes people with functional or anatomic asplenia, complement component deficiencies or complement inhibitor use, and increased risk for exposure, as well as those who are exposed during a meningitis outbreak.

Safety & Effectiveness

Meningococcal vaccines are safe and work well to prevent the disease.

Common side effects are mild, such as redness, swelling, or pain where the shot was given. Some may also get a headache or have muscle pain.

Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Vaccinated teens and young adults are much less likely to get meningococcal disease.

Additional Tips & Resources

If your child is due for a meningococcal vaccine, schedule an appointment now.

Find clinics offering meningococcal vaccination in your area with https://myturn.ca.gov/.

The vaccine can be given at the same visit as other vaccinations.

In California, families without health insurance or with health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines can get free vaccinations for kids and teens through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Ask your clinic or local health department about VFC.