Meningitis Vaccine: Side Effects, Benefits, Uses

There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Please keep reading to learn more about these vaccines, including their uses, benefits, and side effects.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a term referring to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Approximately, 1 in 10 people is a “carrier,” meaning they have these bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without any symptoms. Meningococcal disease occurs when these bacteria overcome the body’s immune system and causes illnesses.

Keep in mind that meningococcal disease is not meningitis, meaning that if you are diagnosed with a meningococcal disease, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have meningitis. Meningitis is when the infection invades the linings of the brain and spinal cord causing inflammation. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate medical attention as it is a very severe illness that progresses rapidly, leading to serious complications and death..

The hallmark symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Early symptoms of meningitis can mimic those of the flu. Often, patients also experience confusion, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia (eye being more sensitive to light).

Meningococcal disease is relatively rare in the US, with 375 cases reported in 2019. People of all ages can get meningococcal disease, but children under 1 year of age, young adults and adolescents are at increased risk of getting infected. Those between 16 and 23 years of age have the highest rate of infection from the meningococcal bacteria. Staying up to date with the recommended meningococcal vaccination can help prevent this disease.

What are the different types of meningitis vaccines?

Meningococcal vaccines are often referred to as “meningitis vaccines.” There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the US:

Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menactra, Menveo, MenQuadfi) that protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y of the bacteria
Serogroup B or MenB vaccines (Bexsero, Trumenba) that protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease

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Is the meningitis vaccine necessary?

Getting vaccinated with all the recommended vaccines is the best way to protect yourself from meningococcal disease, which then develop into meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the meningococcal vaccine for all preteens and teens. The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all children between 11 and 12 years old, then a booster shot is recommended when they turn 16. The MenB is also recommended for teenagers between the age of 16 and 18.

Meningococcal vaccination is also recommended for other children and adults who are at high risk of meningococcal infection, such as:

People with sickle cell disease
Those who have had their spleen removed
Those with a rare hereditary immune condition called complement component deficiency
Those taking complement inhibitor medications such as Soliris or Ultomiris
Microbiologists who are regularly exposed to Neisseria meningitidis (the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease)
People with HIV
Military recruits
First-year college students who are not up-to-date on the meningococcal vaccine and will be living in residence halls
People traveling to an area where the serogroups A, C, W, Y of meningococcal disease are common
MenB vaccines are recommended if there is a serogroup B outbreak in a community

Your healthcare provider can tell you which meningococcal vaccine to take based on your age, underlying health conditions or risk factors, or an outbreak of the disease in your community.

Why do I feel sick after the meningococcal vaccine?

As with any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. Most people who get the meningococcal vaccine experience a mild reaction and temporary side effects; however, serious reactions are possible.

If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, a life-threatening allergic reaction, after a previous dose of MenACWY or MenB vaccine, you should never get another dose of this type of vaccine.

What are the side effects of the meningococcal vaccine?

MenACWY vaccines can cause mild problems such as injection site reactions (redness, soreness, mild swelling), headache, tiredness, and muscle pains. MenB vaccines can cause these same symptoms as well as fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea.

Very rarely, more serious problems can occur after getting any vaccine. These include fainting and injuries caused by a fall due to fainting. Sitting or lying down for a few minutes after a vaccination can help prevent this. You should tell your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness or notice any ringing in the ears or vision changes after getting a vaccine.

In a very small number of people, a vaccine can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine before, be sure to tell your healthcare provider before taking the meningitis vaccine.

How long do side effects of meningococcal vaccines last?

The mild side effects of MenACWY vaccines typically last for 1-2 days, and those from MenB vaccines usually last for 3-5 days. These side effects typically go away on their own. Let your doctor know if these side effects persist or worsen.

Who shouldn't get the meningitis vaccine?

Some people should not get the meningitis vaccine due to age or health conditions. Any person who has had a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of the meningococcal vaccine should not get another dose of the same type of vaccine. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor about the benefits versus risks of vaccination. People who have a mild illness such as a cold can typically get vaccinated. However, those with moderate to severe illness should wait until they have recovered. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it is appropriate for you to get the meningitis vaccine, which type, and when. The BuzzRx search tool can help you find discounted meningitis vaccines in your area.

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