Meningococcal vaccine is a shot to help prevent meningococcal disease. The disease is most common in babies, teens, and young adults. It's also more common in people who have lost their spleen. Other risk factors are a very weak immune system, sexual activity with multiple partners (especially men who have sex with men), or age over 65. The vaccine protects you against the most common types of the disease.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. It can cause infections of the bloodstream, such as meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection. It affects the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can cause death. Even if you take antibiotics, meningitis can cause serious problems. It can cause the loss of fingers and toes, brain damage, seizures, strokes, or deafness.

The vaccine is made from parts of dead meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine helps your body build its defense against future infections. Your defense system includes antibodies. Your body makes them to fight specific infections. This shot helps your body make antibodies that fight off meningococcal disease. The vaccine prevents many types of meningococcal infections. You can't become infected with the disease by getting the shot.

A meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY is available for preteens at 11 or 12 years old and teens at 16 years old.

Teens and young adults ages 16 through 23 years may choose to get a MenB vaccine after talking with their doctor.

Healthy younger children and adults usually do not need meningococcal vaccines. But meningococcal vaccines may be given to people who:

• Have certain health conditions.
• Are traveling to areas where the disease is common.
• Have jobs working with the meningococcal bacteria (like lab workers).
• Are at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak.

The vaccine is not advised if you:

• Had a bad reaction before to the meningococcal vaccine.
• Are moderately or severely ill.

There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines. Each vaccine protects against different strains of meningococcal disease. Both types can be given at the same time. If you get both, your doctor may give them in different arms. The vaccines are:

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). This vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease types A, C, W, and Y. It may be given to preteens at 11 or 12 years old, with a booster shot for teens at 16 years old. The first dose is given at age 11 or 12. The booster shot given at age 16 boosts immunity against meningococcal disease when teens are at highest risk of the disease. Some colleges require proof of the vaccine for students living in dorms. For teens who haven't been vaccinated by 16, 1 dose may be given. Teens and adults at increased risk may be advised to get additional booster doses.
• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine. MenB helps protect against meningococcal serotype B infections. Teens and young adults may choose to get the MenB vaccine after talking with their doctor about their situation and risk. Some teens should get the vaccine. MenB may be recommended for people who are at higher risk because of a meningococcal B outbreak. Outbreaks can happen where people are living close together. Examples are college dorms and military barracks. The MenB vaccine may also be advised for teens and young adults who have certain health conditions, such as a weak immune system or no spleen. The best time to get the MenB vaccine is from ages 16 to 18. It may be given up to age 23. People 10 years or older who are at increased risk may be advised to get MenB.

The shot has few risks. Side effects are often mild and go away within a few days. They may include:

• Soreness and swelling at the site of the injection.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Fever or chills.
• Rare allergic reactions.

You can take over-the-counter pain medicine to ease any pain and swelling after you get the shot.

Contact your doctor right away if any of these occur:

• High fever.
• Vomiting.
• Weakness.
• Tiredness that doesn't get better.