Meningitis (Meningococcal)

Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious because it can make the thin lining that covers the brain and spinal cord swell and cause meningitis. It can also cause infections like septicemia, a bloodstream infection. It's a very deadly disease.source: ¹ Even with treatment, up to 15% of infected people will die from the disease.source: ² The bacteria that cause the disease spread through saliva or spit, usually through direct contact like kissing or coughing close to another person. It is also spread through ongoing contact, like living with a person who has the disease.source: ¹

There used to be thousands of cases of meningococcal disease each year in the United States. With vaccines, there are fewer cases.source: ³ Two vaccines can prevent meningococcal disease:source: ⁴ (1) the MenACWY vaccine, which protects preteens and teens, and (2) the MenB vaccine, which also protects preteens and teens, preferably for teens 16–18 years old. These vaccines are also recommended for children who have certain health conditions, or who are at high risk during an outbreak of meningococcal disease.source: ⁵

The disease is serious because it progresses very quickly and can be deadly in just a few hours.source: ⁶ Once an infection starts, it can rapidly damage the body. Even with treatment, survivors may be left with serious long-term health issues.source: ⁴ That's why prevention is important.

Those who survive the disease can have lasting problems. As many as 1 in 5 people will have long-term disabilities. These include hearing loss or brain damage.source: ⁷

If there are side effects from the meningococcal vaccines, they are usually mild and go away in 1–3 days. Side effects of the MenACWY vaccine may include pain or redness where the vaccine was given and a low fever. Side effects of the MenB vaccine may include pain, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given, feeling tired, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever or chills, and an upset stomach and diarrhea.source: ⁷