infections
Meningococcal Vaccine
Introduction
 (meningococci). Meningococcal Infections can lead to For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)Meningococcal vaccine. (See also Overview of Immunization .) There are several specific types (called serogroups) ofNeisseria meningitidis. Meningococcal vaccines protect against the serogroups that cause most meningococcal disease (serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y). Two formulations of the meningococcal vaccine are available in the United States: The conjugate vaccine (MCV4, protecting against serogroups A, C, W, and Y) is preferred for people 9 months to 55 years old and is used for routine childhood vaccination (seeCDC: Meningococcal ACWY vaccine information statement). Meningococcal group B vaccine (MenB) is available to prevent infection by one type of meningitis bacteria that has become common in outbreaks among college students (seeCDC: Meningococcal B vaccine information statement). 