Meningococcal Vaccination

Key points

  • CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens, as well as other children and adults at increased risk.
  • Meningococcal vaccines are the best way to protect against meningococcal disease, but side effects can occur.
  • Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about meningococcal vaccines.
Young person pointing to an adhesive bandage on her arm after injection of vaccine.

Overview

There are 3 types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States:

  • Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines
  • Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines
  • Pentavalent or MenABCWY vaccine
Keep Reading: Types of Meningococcal Vaccines

Why getting vaccinated is important

Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can cause serious illness and death in people of all ages. Meningococcal vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease.

Keep Reading: About Meningococcal Disease

Who should and shouldn't get vaccinated

Vaccine recommendations

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for

Allergies, reactions: Talk with a vaccine provider

Talk to a vaccine provider about your vaccination history and a specific vaccine's ingredients. There may be times when someone shouldn't get a meningococcal vaccine, like if they:

  • Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the vaccine
  • Have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine

Feeling sick?‎

Generally, vaccination is fine during mild illnesses like a cold. A vaccine provider can advise on whether to get vaccinated or wait until you feel better.

How well they work

Vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases.

Keep Reading: How Well Meningococcal Vaccines Work

Possible side effects

Most people who get a meningococcal vaccine don't have any problems with it. Like with medicines, there is a chance of side effects with vaccines. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.

MenACWY vaccines
  • Redness or soreness where the vaccine provider gave the shot
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired
MenB and MenABCWY vaccines
  • Redness, soreness, or swelling where the vaccine provider gave the shot
  • Feeling tired
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or diarrhea

If problems occur after MenACWY vaccination, they usually last for 1 or 2 days.

If problems occur after MenB or MenABCWY vaccination, they usually last for 3 to 5 days.

Keep Reading: Safety Information for Meningococcal Vaccines

Finding and paying for vaccines

Vaccination locations

Children and teens

Meningococcal vaccines are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Therefore, they are regularly available for children at

  • Pediatric and family practice offices
  • Community health clinics
  • Public health departments

Adults

For adults, a healthcare provider's office or pharmacy are usually the best places to receive recommended vaccines. If your healthcare provider doesn't have meningococcal vaccines, ask for a referral.

Federally funded health centers can also provide services if you don't have a regular source of health care. Locate one near you.

You can also contact your health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.

Vaccine costs

There are several ways to cover the cost of meningococcal vaccines.

Private health insurance

Most private health insurance plans cover these vaccines. Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Vaccines for Children program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.

Resources

Vaccine schedules

Parent-friendly schedule for children (birth through 6 years)

Parent-friendly schedule for children (7 through 18 years)

Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)

Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statements

MenACWY: English | Other languages

MenB: English | Other languages

Vaccine requirements

MenACWY vaccine requirements for secondary schools

MenACWY vaccine mandates for colleges and universities

Other resources

Adult vaccine assessment tool: What vaccines do you need?

Cochlear implants and vaccination recommendations

Educational materials on meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease and people receiving complement inhibitors

Print
Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases
  • Outbreaks specifically caused by serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease.
  • Outbreaks specifically caused by serogroup B meningococcal disease.