Which meningitis vaccine is recommended for college?

College campuses have reported outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease during the last several years. Some colleges now require MenB vaccination. Clinical trials, studies during outbreaks, and ongoing safety monitoring have shown that MenB vaccines are safe.

What type of meningitis vaccine is required for college?

Meningococcal disease strain B, commonly referred to as MenB, is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis on college campuses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend being vaccinated against meningitis B.

Should college students get meningitis B vaccine?

The Johns Hopkins All Children's infectious disease team recommends children be up to date on all vaccines before going to college, particularly if they are going to live in a dormitory. The two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines for meningitis B are Bexsero and Trumenba.

Which meningitis is common in college students?

Meningococcal disease is bacterial and causes bloodstream infections and meningitis. College students, especially those living in residence halls, are prone to contracting the disease because of their close proximity to each other.

How do I know which meningitis vaccine I need?

All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster dose at 16 years old. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 years old) also may get a MenB vaccine. Those who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit may instead get a MenABCWY vaccine.

Meningococcus Vaccine - Why Do College Students Need It?

What is the difference between MenACWY and MenB?

The MenACWY vaccine is very effective at protecting against four strains of the bacteria, while the MenB vaccine protects against a fifth strain.

Do I need the meningitis B vaccine?

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. In certain situations, CDC also recommends other children and adults get meningococcal vaccines.

What are the odds of getting meningitis in college?

Among the approximately 9 million students aged 18-21 years enrolled in college, there are an average of 20 cases and 2-4 outbreaks due to serogroup B reported annually.

Why do colleges ask for meningitis vaccine?

Because Meningitis B can spread quickly among those living in close proximity to each other in residence halls and dorm rooms, college students are at a higher risk for contracting the illness.

Why do so many college students get meningitis?

Dr. Ardon says college students are a group at higher risk for contracting meningitis due to their living conditions. "They're in a dormitory, in residence halls, spending a lot of time together in close quarters," says Dr. Ardon.

Who shouldn t get meningitis B vaccine?

MenB vaccines should not be given to anyone younger than 10 years of age. A person should talk with their healthcare provider before getting a MenB vaccine if they: Had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of MenB vaccine. Have any severe, life-threatening allergies.

How long does meningitis vaccine last for college?

It is also recommended that young adults receive the MenB vaccine before attending college or other settings in which they will live in close quarters with other people. This vaccine lasts for one or two years, after which you will need a booster shot to keep up your immunity.

Who gets meningitis B vaccine?

Meningococcal B vaccines are recommended for people 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including: People at risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including people with sickle cell disease.

What is the cut off age for meningitis vaccine?

MenB Vaccination of Adolescents

Adolescents and young adults (16 through 23 years old) may also receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for receipt is 16 through 18 years so adolescents have protection during the ages of increased risk.

Can my child get meningitis if vaccinated?

The vaccine protects against most (about three quarters) but not all the strains. The vaccine reduces your baby's chance of getting the infection. But there is still a small chance they could get it, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Do college students need a meningitis booster?

§ ACIP recommends MenACWY routinely at age 11 through 12 years, with a booster dose at age 16 years. First-year college students who live in residential housing are recommended to receive MenACWY if they did not receive a dose on or after their 16th birthday.

Should my child get the meningitis B vaccine?

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a single dose of a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years.

Can I refuse the meningitis vaccine?

Students may begin classes without a certificate of immunization against meningococcal disease if: 1) the student has a letter from a physician stating that there is a medical reason why he/she can't receive the vaccine; 2) the student (or the student's parent or legal guardian, if the student is a minor) presents a ...

How many college students have died from meningitis?

Additionally, from 2011 through March 2019, meningococcal serogroup B disease (MenB) caused all US college meningococcal outbreaks, which involved 13 campuses, 50 cases, and 2 deaths among an at-risk population of approximately 253,000 students.

Who mostly gets meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis can affect anyone of any age, but mainly affects babies, preschool children and young people.

How common is meningitis in college kids?

Among the approximately 590,000 freshmen who live in dormitories (17), the rate of meningococcal disease was 4.6/100,000, higher than any age group in the population other than children aged <2 years, but lower than the threshold of 10/100,000 recommended for initiating meningococcal vaccination cam paigns (6).

What's the difference between meningitis and meningitis B vaccine?

Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Two meningitis vaccines protect against four types of meningococcal disease. An additional type of vaccine protects against serotype B, which also causes meningitis.

Can I get meningitis B vaccine on NHS?

The MenB vaccine is offered as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. It's given to babies at: 8 weeks.

What happens if you get the meningitis vaccine twice?

Your son may have experienced redness, swelling, or soreness after these extra shots. But, children who get extra doses of any vaccine are, for the most part, at no extra risk than children who follow the regular schedule. All in all, the end result should only be more of a boost to his immune system.