How to Help Prevent Meningococcal Meningitis
Make sure you are vaccinated against ALL 5 types of meningococcal bacteria most likely to cause meningococcal meningitis: A–B–C–W–Y.
There are three types of meningococcal vaccines currently available in the United States.
MenACWY
All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster shot at 16 years old.
MenABCWY
CDC recommends MenABCWY vaccination as an option for people 10 years or older who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit.
MenB
Teens may also get a MenB vaccine, preferably at 16 through 18 years old.
Be proactive, start the conversation with your
healthcare provider now and ask if you or your child has received all the necessary meningitis vaccines.
When should vaccination occur?
You and your healthcare provider can choose from two options recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). See below.
