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Meningitis Vaccine Basics
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can lead to infections in the bloodstream or meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Causes
Meningococcal disease is highly contagious and is commonly spread through close or prolonged contact with someone who is sick or carrying the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.Prevention
The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccination. The CDC recommends the vaccine for all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults at increased risk for illness.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Meningitis: Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Bloodstream infection: Also known as meningococcal septicemia, this occurs when the harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream.
- Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menveo® and MenQuadfi®)
- Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines (Bexsero® and Trumenba®)
- Pentavalent meningococcal or MenABCWY vaccine (Penbraya™)
- Children 11 to 12 years old, with a booster at 16 years old.
- Children and adults who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
- Individuals 10 years or older who at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
- Individuals 10 years or older who are getting the MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit.
Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The two most common types of meningococcal infections are:
Meningococcal illnesses are often severe and can be fatal if left untreated. Vaccination is the best way to prevent meningococcal disease.
There are three types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:
The CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for:
The CDC recommends routine MenB vaccination for:
The CDC recommends MenABCWY vaccination for:
Yes, co-administration of vaccines is generally safe, effective and convenient. Side effects from receiving multiple vaccines at the same time are rare and usually mild. For more information, refer to the CDC’s guidelines on receiving multiple vaccines.
Kroger Health offers a wide range of health services, including vaccines, health screenings and more, tailored to meet the needs of your business, community or organization. Visit us at krogerhealth.com or e-mail the team at KHB2B@krogerhealth.com to learn more.
For more frequently asked questions and information, please visit the CDC's meningococcal vaccination website.
Other Recommended Vaccines
Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your meningitis vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, Tdap and more.
Flu Vaccine
It’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a yearly flu vaccine.COVID-19 Vaccine
Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for an annual COVID-19 vaccine.Tdap Vaccine
This vaccine protects against three bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.Tools and Resources
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