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Meningococcal vaccine: who needs it and when

Meningococcal vaccines help protect against a rare but serious bacterial disease. U.S. recommendations vary by vaccine type, age and risk.

Priya Raghavan

By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter

4 min read

Meningococcal vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease, an uncommon bacterial illness that can cause serious illness or death, according to the CDC. In the United States, MenACWY is routinely recommended for preteens and teens, while MenB is a separate decision for many older teens and young adults.

These vaccines target disease caused by meningococcus; they do not prevent every illness described as meningitis. Other bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, according to CVS Health.

Vaccine types

The CDC lists three types of meningococcal vaccine used in the United States: MenACWY, MenB and MenABCWY.

  • MenACWY protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
  • MenB protects against serogroup B, Johns Hopkins Medicine says.
  • MenABCWY is an option for people age 10 or older who are receiving MenACWY and MenB at the same visit, according to Walgreens.

The CDC says meningococcal vaccines work well but cannot prevent every case.

Routine teen vaccination

Walgreens, citing CDC recommendations, says adolescents should receive MenACWY at ages 11 to 12, followed by a booster at age 16. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens.

For people ages 16 through 23, MenB vaccination may be chosen after discussion with a clinician; ages 16 through 18 are preferred, according to Walgreens and Johns Hopkins Medicine. MenB is also recommended for people age 10 or older at increased risk of serogroup B disease, Walgreens says.

Who may need risk-based vaccination?

The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for children ages 2 months through 10 years and adults 19 and older when they are at increased risk. The vaccine type and schedule can vary with the risk.

Walgreens lists persistent complement deficiencies, complement-inhibitor use, anatomic or functional asplenia including sickle cell disease, HIV, routine laboratory work with N. meningitidis isolates, and outbreak exposure among examples of increased risk. Johns Hopkins Medicine also lists travel to areas where the disease is common, while Walgreens includes some shared living settings, such as college dormitories and military barracks.

Side effects and precautions

Most people who receive a meningococcal vaccine do not have problems, according to the CDC. MenACWY reactions can include injection-site redness or soreness, muscle pain, headache and tiredness; when they occur, they usually last one to two days.

For MenB and MenABCWY, the CDC lists injection-site redness, soreness or swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever or chills, nausea and diarrhea. These reactions usually last three to five days. The CDC says serious reactions are possible, and Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that allergic reactions are rare.

People who had a life-threatening reaction after a meningococcal vaccine or have a life-threatening allergy to a vaccine ingredient should discuss vaccination with a provider, the CDC says. Mild illnesses such as a cold generally do not prevent vaccination, though a provider can advise on timing.

Where to get vaccinated

For children and teens, the CDC says meningococcal vaccines are regularly available through pediatric and family practices, community health clinics and public health departments. For adults, clinician offices and pharmacies are usually the best places to receive recommended vaccines.

Most private health plans cover these vaccines, according to the CDC, though people should check coverage and in-network rules with their insurer. The CDC says the Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines to eligible children whose families may not be able to afford them.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MenACWY and MenB vaccines?

MenACWY protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y, while MenB protects against serogroup B, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. MenABCWY is an option for people age 10 or older receiving MenACWY and MenB at the same visit, Walgreens says.

When should a teenager get meningococcal vaccine?

Walgreens, citing CDC recommendations, says MenACWY is routinely given at ages 11 to 12 with a booster at 16. People ages 16 through 23 may choose MenB vaccination after talking with a clinician, with ages 16 through 18 preferred; higher-risk people can have different recommendations.

What side effects can occur after a meningococcal vaccine?

The CDC lists injection-site symptoms, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever or chills, nausea and diarrhea among possible reactions. MenACWY reactions usually last one to two days, while MenB and MenABCWY reactions usually last three to five days when they occur.

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