For US Residents

About meningitis

Meningitis is an uncommon but dangerous disease

Meningococcal disease, known as meningitis, is an infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can infect the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicemia, a potentially fatal infection of the bloodstream.

Long-term consequences of meningitis include limb amputation, hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has vaccination recommendations to help prevent disease caused by ALL 5 vaccine-preventable groups of meningococcal bacteria—A, B, C, W, and Y.

Meningitis-causing bacteria can spread through certain everyday behaviors, including:

Kissing

Sharing food & drinks

Living in close quarters

Coughing & sneezing

Sharing vapes

The bacteria that can cause meningitis can spread by saliva during close or prolonged contact. However, it’s not as contagious as, for example, the flu.
About 1 in 10 carry the bacteria in their nose and throat. Most carriers do not get sick, but they can still spread the bacteria.

Meningitis can progress quickly—and it can be fatal

Common symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. Early signs and symptoms of meningitis may resemble the flu, but symptoms can quickly become very serious. Although meningitis is uncommon, it can be dangerous.

About 1 in 10

who develop meningitis will die—sometimes within 24 hours

1 in 5

survivors of meningitis suffer from long-term consequences, including:

Limb amputation

Brain damage

Hearing loss

Skin scarring

Is your teen missing vaccination against any of the 5 vaccine-preventable groups: A, B, C, W, and Y?

There are different types of CDC-recommended meningitis vaccines to help protect your teen, but not all doctors mention it—and not all parents know how to ask.

Most teens received meningitis vaccination against serogroups A, C, W, and Y at age 11 or 12 years but may still be missing a booster that is recommended at age 16. In addition, millions of teens are missing vaccination for meningitis B—which may leave them vulnerable to infection. The decision to vaccinate against meningitis B is based on a discussion with your teen’s doctor.