07-08-2025
Pediatric physician addresses meningococcal vaccine
BURLINGTON, Vermont — Parents of college-bound teens have been asking pointed questions about the vaccine that more colleges are recommending to prevent meningitis in freshmen.
The vaccine prevents infection from a type of bacteria called meningococcus, which can cause a life-threatening blood infection or result in meningitis, an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningococcus is spread by close or direct contact from the nose and throat by kissing, sharing silverware or glasses or through a cough.
Studies now indicate that infants under age 1 and teens and young adults between 15-21 — especially those who will be living in close quarters with other teens such as a school dormitory — are at increased risk of getting this infection.
If an infection with this bacteria does occur, one in 10 people who get it will die even with antibiotics that are designed to treat it or will experience terrible complications that can include brain damage or loss of an arm or leg.
The Good News
There is a meningococcal vaccine that can prevent four of the five most common strains of this bacteria or at least two-thirds to three-quarters of all cases from infecting children and, in doing so, significantly reduces the risk of their getting infected.
A vaccine to treat the fifth strain is now available and a health care professional can determine the appropriate vaccine or vaccines needed and when doses should be given to protect your child or teen from meningococcal disease.
Side effects of the vaccine are mild and the most common side effects are some redness or soreness at the sight of the injection and occasionally a low-grade fever. Allergic reactions have been reported but are extremely rare.
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