How long is a meningitis shot good for

However, bacterial meningitis tends to be the most dangerous type, causing more severe complications and, in some cases, death. The most common and concerning bacterial source is from the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis vaccines come in different forms for certain bacterial groups. Teens and young adults may receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine MCV4 , covering the four most common bacterial serotypes — A, C W, and Y — or the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine MenB. These are both used to prevent bacterial meningitis.

MCV4 provides more long-term protection especially when booster shots are taken when needed. MenB provides short-term protection against a particular strain of the infection. The key to the meningitis vaccines is to make sure that your teen gets them at the right time. Your child may get the MCV4 vaccine if they are:. Technically, the MenB vaccine is approved for children over the age of Your doctor might recommend a dose at a younger age if your child has immune system deficiencies.

But MenB is usually taken around the age of However, it may be given to young adults up to 23 years old. If you have an unvaccinated teen headed off to college, there is still time for them to get their vaccines. Your child may also need another shot if they had the vaccine as a preteen. Hoffman O, Weber RJ. Pathophysiology and treatment of bacterial meningitis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord.

CDC website. Updated March 13, Meningococcal vaccination: what everyone should know. Updated May 17, Bacterial meningitis. Updated January 25, Meningococcal: questions and answers. Immunization Action Coalition website. Meningococcal vaccination for preteens and teens: information for parents. Updated May 19, The meningococcal B vaccine MenB protects against a fifth type of meningococcal bacterium called type B. It is fairly new and not yet recommended as a routine vaccination for healthy people.

But some kids and teens who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease should get it starting from age Others who are not at increased risk may also get it between the ages of 16 and 23 preferably between 16 through 18 as that is when the risk of getting infected is highest. The decision to get the MenB vaccine is made by the teen, their parents, and their doctor. When Are Meningococcal Vaccines Given?

Vaccination with MenACWY is recommended: when kids are 11 or 12 years old, with a booster given at age 16 for teens 13—18 years old who haven't been vaccinated yet Those who have their first dose between the ages of 13—15 should get a booster dose between the ages of 16— This includes kids who: live in or travel to countries where the disease is common are present during an outbreak of the disease have some kinds of immune disorders.

If the immune disorders are chronic, these kids also need a booster dose a few years later, depending on their age at the first dose. Why Are Meningococcal Vaccines Recommended? When to Delay or Avoid Immunization The vaccine is not recommended if: your child is currently sick. But simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call the doctor if: You aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided.