Meningitis is a rare but serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and is caused by meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial illness. Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children ages 2–18 in the United States and may also result in blood infections. Symptoms of meningitis can include fever, stiff neck, eye sensitivity to light, purple-spotted rash, a drop in blood pressure, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants younger than 12 months and people with certain medical conditions, such as a removed spleen. Meningococcal disease is contagious and is commonly spread by close contact, such as by coughing or living in the same household. College freshmen who live in dormitories and teenagers ages 15–19 are at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Meningitis is potentially fatal. Even with antibiotic treatment, 10–15 percent of infected people are at risk of death. As many as 20 percent of people who survive the infection may lose a limb, become deaf or develop serious long-term medical conditions.

Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Meningococcal vaccines available in our pharmacy:

• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines Menactra

People who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease should get vaccinated, including:

• Adolescents and young adults ages 16–23

• People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system

• Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease

• People at risk because of an outbreak in their community

• People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of that meningococcal vaccine

• You have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine – ask your healthcare provider about any of the ingredients

Mild-to-moderate side effects:

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Fever, muscle aches and drowsiness