Meningococcal Vaccination

Pronounced (muh-nin-jeh-KOK-ul)

Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are 3 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:

  • Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menveo® and MenQuadfi®)
  • Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines (Bexsero® and Trumenba®)
  • Pentavalent meningococcal or MenABCWY vaccine (PenbrayaTM)

All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster dose at 16 years old. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 years old) also may get a MenB vaccine. Those who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit may instead get a MenABCWY vaccine. CDC also recommends meningococcal vaccination for other children and adults who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Talk with your or your child’s doctor if you have questions about meningococcal vaccines.

CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for:

  • All preteens and teens at 11 to 12 years old with a booster dose at 16 years old
  • Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease

CDC recommends routine MenB vaccination for:

  • People 10 years or older at increased risk for meningococcal disease

CDC recommends MenABCWY vaccination as an option for:

  • People 10 years or older who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit.