Let’s Discuss Meningitis Vaccines. 

There are 3 types of Meningitis vaccines available: 

MenACWY 

Protects against Meningococcal sertotypes A,C,W,Y. 

The CDC recommends that all preteens (11 to 12 years old) get the MenACWY vaccine, and then a booster shot at 16 years old. 

MenACWY became a routine adolescent vaccine in 2005. 

MenB 

Protects against Meningococcal sertotypes B. 

This vaccine remains optional for most teens and is usually given at ages 16-18 years old. 

It is recommended for those with asplenia, Complement deficiencies or taking complement inhibiting medications, or are at higher risk of disease during outbreaks. 

MenABCWY 

Protects against Meningococcal sertotypes A,B,C,W,Y. This one vaccine is an option for those who need both of the above vaccines. 

MenACWY vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling to the “Meningitis Belt.” This is a region in sub-Saharan Africa where meningococcal disease is highly prevalent with epidemics occuring regularly. This region includes the following countries:

Burkina Faso 

Cameroon 

Central African Republic 

Chad 

Eritrea 

Ethiopia 

Gambia 

Ghana 

Guinea 

Guinea-Bissau 

Kenya 

Mali 

Niger 

Nigeria 

Senegal 

South Sudan 

Sudan 

Uganda 

Meningitis vaccines are usually offered without a need for a prescription. Contraindications to Meningitis Vaccines: 

• History of anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine ● History of anaphylaxis after any component of a meningococcal vaccine