Meningococcal Disease and the Vaccine: What College Students Need to Know

On this page:
What is meningococcal disease?
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
What are the symptoms of bacteremia?
How does meningococcal disease spread?
How can you prevent meningococcal disease?
What are the options for meningococcal vaccine?
Who should get the meningococcal vaccines?
What are the risks from meningococcal vaccines? 
Are free or low-cost meningococcal shots available?
How can I learn more?

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that can cause meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), bacteremia, (blood infection), and septic arthritis (joint infection). In the United States between 200 and 400 people get the disease each year, and about 10 to 15 out of 100 people die from it. Of those who survive, up to one out of five have permanent disabilities, such as deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs, or seizures. A person with meningococcal disease may become seriously ill very quickly. Antibiotics can treat meningococcal infections but often can't be given soon enough to help.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The most common symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache, and very stiff neck. Other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and extreme tiredness.

What are the symptoms of bacteremia?

Common symptoms of meningococcal blood infections are fever, extreme tiredness, chills, cold hands and feet, severe aches or pain, and rash. If a person has a joint infection, there is pain and swelling in and around the joint. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms that concern you.

How does meningococcal disease spread?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close contact. Examples of how this disease spreads are kissing, sharing silverware, drinking from the same container, sharing a cigarette or lipstick, and having close and ongoing social contact (living in the same household).

How can I protect myself from getting meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningococcal disease. It is always good practice to wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home when you are sick.

What meningococcal vaccines are available?

Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is effective at protecting against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine does not contain the meningococcal B strain that may cause some cases in adolescents and young adults. There is a separate vaccine that protects against the meningococcal B strain. 

The meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) can be given to people aged 16-23 years. MenB vaccine is also recommended for people over age 10 years with certain high-risk conditions. Talk to your health care provider about MenB vaccine. Anyone 10 years and older who is eligible for both MenACWY and MenB vaccines on the same clinic day, can receive a MenABCWY pentavalent vaccine that combines both vaccines into one shot. This combination vaccine can also be used for booster doses if there is increased risk for meningococcal disease (e.g., an outbreak on campus).

Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?

The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for first-year college students living in a dormitory or participating in a sorority or fraternity. The vaccine has been recommended for 11–12-year-olds since 2005, so it is possible that incoming first-year students have already received a dose. If you receive a dose before age 16, you should get a booster before you go to college.

The MenB vaccine is not routinely recommended for college students. However, some colleges and universities require MenB vaccination for incoming students. While small outbreaks of meningococcal serogroup B disease have occurred on college campuses, the disease incidence in college students remains very low. It is important for students ages 16 to 23 who are planning to go to college or currently in college, to have a conversation with their health care provider about receiving the MenB vaccine. Anyone who has been fully vaccinated against MenB, would only need a single booster dose in the case of an outbreak on campus.

What are the risks from meningococcal vaccine?

Most people have mild side effects from the vaccine, such as redness or pain where the shot was given. A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. This risk is extremely small. Getting the meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.

You can learn more on the Vaccine Information Statements for meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.

Are free or low-cost meningococcal shots available?

Yes, if you don't have insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of the meningococcal vaccines, you may be able to find free or low-cost meningococcal shots. Note that there may still be an administration fee of up to $21.22 per shot.

• If you are 18 years old or younger: Talk to your doctor or clinic to see if they participate in the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program.
• If you are 19 years old or older: Visit Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults to search for a clinic near you that offers low-cost vaccines for eligible adults.

Talk to your city or county health department. They may be able to provide low-cost meningococcal shots.

How can I learn more?

Talk to your health care provider, clinic, or call your local health department's immunization program. You can also find information on these websites:

• Meningococcal Disease
• CDC: Meningococcal Vaccination
• National Meningitis Association