Meningococcal disease, or meningitis, is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
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This bacteria is contagious and spread through respiratory secretions during coughing and sneezing, kissing, or living in close quarters. The illness is often very severe and can be deadly. Infections include infection of the meningitis (lining of the spinal cord and brain) as well as infection of the blood stream.
Illness can start with flu-like symptoms and rapidly worsen. The most common complaints are fever, headache, and stiff neck. Some patients report nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. These symptoms can rapidly progress to widespread infection and death.
Two Vaccines
The best defense for meningococcal disease is prevention! There are two vaccines that protect against the most common types of meningitis seen in the United States.
The two meningitis vaccine series are: meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menquadfi at MD Kids Pediatrics), and serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (Trumenba). Each is a 2 dose series:
Menquadfi starts at 11 to 12 years old, with a booster at 16 years. Trumenba is given as 2 doses 6 months apart between ages 16 and 23. At MD Kids Pediatrics, we give Menquadfi at 11 years and a booster at 16 years, and we give Trumenba at 16 years with a booster 6 months later.
If you have known exposure to meningitis, you may need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent getting the infection.
Possible Vaccine Reactions
Menquadfi side effects can include redness or pain at the site of the vaccine, and fever. Both typically resolve in 1-2 days.
Trumenba side effects can include redness, pain, or swelling at the site of the vaccine. Other reactions can include headache, fever, nausea, and feeling tired. They typically resolve in 3 to 7 days.
Serious side effects are extremely rare with meningitis vaccines. Thankfully, since widespread vaccination, the rates of meningitis due to this bacteria declined. Ask your provider if your child is due for a meningitis vaccine.
As always, if you have any concerns, please call us!
Dr. Amy Maddalena has been a Kids Plus Provider since 2006.
