CDC Features

CDC Features

Have You Heard About How To Prevent Meningococcal Disease?

Photo: Mother and daughter with mobile devices.

Meningococcal disease, a type of bacterial meningitis, is a serious infection that can be prevented with a vaccine. The meningococcal vaccine is routinely recommended for all 11–18 year olds. Kids should get this vaccine at their 11–12 year old check-up, along with other vaccines and preventive services.

Photo: Amanda Cohn, MD, FAAP CDC Researcher and Concerned Parent
Amanda Cohn, MD, FAAP; CDC Researcher and Concerned Parent

Did you know that there are approximately 1,000–2,000 cases of meningococcal disease in the United States each year? Meningococcal disease, a type of bacterial meningitis, can be very serious – even life-threatening – in 48 hours or less.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease are usually sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Even with antibiotic treatment, adolescents die in about 10% of cases. About 20% of survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.

Bacterial meningitis can be spread from person to person. The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close or lengthy contact (for example, coughing or kissing), especially if living in the same dorm or household. Although anyone can get meningococcal disease, pre-teens, adolescents, and college freshmen who live in dormitories are at an increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Vaccine Prevents Meningococcal Disease

The good news is that there's a vaccine to help prevent meningococcal disease. The meningococcal vaccine is routinely recommended for all 11–18 year olds. Kids should get this vaccine, known as MCV4, at their 11–12 year old check-up, along with other vaccines and preventive services. If your teenager missed getting the vaccine at his/her check-up, ask the doctor about getting it now… especially if your child is heading off to college to live in a dorm.

Have U Heard
Watch or download the video (4:42 mins)

Video: Have You Heard?

CDC created a video to help you learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it. This video features a CDC doctor who is an expert in meningitis and, most importantly, a concerned mom. You can download the video or podcast at CDC-TV or access it on your mobile phone.

Your pre-teen or adolescent is at risk for other diseases like pertussis and HPV that can be prevented with vaccines. If your child hasn't had a check-up within the last year, make an appointment now and ask your child's doctor what vaccines are recommended.