Meningitis Vaccine

Is your child off to college or currently enrolled in a university? If so, you might want to consider having your child receive a meningitis vaccine. Meningitis often spreads on college campuses due to close living quarters and the sharing of drinks and utensils. What are the risks of meningitis, and why should your teen get the meningitis vaccine? According to the CDC:

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ depending on the cause. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and clears up without specific treatment. But bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.

Luckily, the vaccine immunizes against the bacterial form of the disease, and there are two brand names: Menactra and Menomune. Children as young age 11 can receive it, and it's recommended for high-school age kids. If your child is entering college, it is highly recommended for them to receive a meningitis vaccine before entering.

There have been some cases of serious side effects. In 2005, 5 people contracted the nerve disorder Guillain-Barré after receiving a meningitis vaccine. More frequent side effects include headache, weakness, redness and pain at the injection site, and fever.

You shouldn't get the meningitis vaccine? Those with suppressed immune systems or who have had previous strongly adverse reactions should not receive the vaccine.