infections
Meningococcal Infections
Prevention of Meningococcal Infections
Family members, medical personnel, and other people who have been in close contact with people who have a meningococcal infection should be given an antibiotic to prevent infection from developing. Antibiotics may be given by mouth or by injection. With most recommended antibiotics, only a single dose or at most 2 days of treatment are needed. During an outbreak, meningococcal vaccine is also given (in addition to antibiotics) to people in close contact with a person who has a meningococcal infection. For more information, see also Meningococcal Vaccine and the vaccine schedules for Meningococcal vaccines protect against specific types (called serogroups) of meningococci that cause most meningococcal disease: serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. Two types of Meningococcal Vaccine are available in the United States: MenACWY vaccines:These vaccines protect against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. They are part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule and are recommended for all children at age 11 to 12 years, with a booster at age 16 years. These vaccines are also recommended for some infants and for adults who are at increased risk. MenB vaccines:These vaccines protect against meningococcal serogroup B, which is a type of meningitis bacteria that has become common in outbreaks among college students. These vaccines are also recommended for people 10 years of age and older who are at increased risk of meningitis caused by serogroup B. 