Meningococcal disease is a serious, sometimes fatal, infection caused by a bacteria (named N. meningitidis) which can lead to severe illnesses like meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections that cause blood vessel damage and bleeding in the skin and organs. The bacteria can live in the back of the nose and throat and about 1 in 10 people have these bacteria and are not sick. It spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with other people.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but some are at increased risk. Age, some medical conditions and places where people live, work and travel are some of the risk factors.
Pre-teens and teens are one group considered to be at higher risk of meningitis because of some activities and behaviors common in young people like living in close quarters, sharing drinks or eating utensils, kissing, and smoking. College students living in dorms may come to mind first when we think about young people living in close quarters but anyone in that kind of living situation, such as shared housing or military barracks, and anyone attending crowded gatherings, such as festivals, may be at risk.
Meningococcal infection can seem flu-like with symptoms such as fever, headache, and stiff neck. Additional symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity of the eyes to light, confusion, and a rash (typically dark purple spots on the torso, arms, or legs). But it can quickly escalate and may lead to severe complications, such as organ damage, or even death, in 24 hours.
Meningococcal bacteria are identified by serogroups with A, B, C, W, and Y being the five most prevalent. Fortunately, vaccines are available to help protect those at higher risk. There are 3 types of meningococcal vaccines available that protect against the five serogroups that account for most cases in the U.S. The vaccines include recently approved vaccines that cover all 5 serogroups in a single vaccine:
- Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines
- Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines
- Pentavalent or MenABCWY vaccine
Many teens may have received the MenACWY vaccine but fewer have been vaccinated with a MenB vaccine. As you plan for the future—whether it’s heading to college, joining the military, taking a gap year, traveling, or joining the workforce—knowing your vaccination history and considering the MenB vaccine is an important step to help protect your health. It’s important to know that vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases. So it’s important to have a conversation with both your parents and healthcare provider about the MenB vaccine to make an informed choice about your health. They can help you understand the benefits, address any questions, and take action to help safeguard your health as you plan for college, travel, career and other future endeavors!
