Meningococcal Vacine
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning – even among people who are otherwise healthy. Meningococcal disease can spread from person to person through close contact (coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially among people living in the same household.
There are at least 12 types of N. meningitidis, called "serogroups." Serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y cause most meningococcal disease. CDC recommends vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine for all preteens and teens at 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at 16 years old. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) also may be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.
The Meningococcal B vaccine became a topic of conversation in the fall of 2016 when the UW-Madison college campus reported an outbreak of the disease with 3 students being hospitalized with N. meningitidis serogroup B. Thousands of vaccinations were performed on the college campus. The Waukesha County Public Health Division now maintains an inventory of the serogroup B meningococcal (Men B) vaccine for qualifying students.
CDC - Meningococcal Vaccine
CDC - Meningitis B Vaccine Facts
CDC - Vaccine Information Statement
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