Meningococcal meningitis immunization for adults

General information
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, as well as the surrounding fluid. The infection is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, which spreads through close contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person (through contact with droplets sneezed or coughed into the air, for example).
The meningococcal meningitis vaccine (Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135)) is an inactivated vaccine, which contains the four most common strains of Neisseria meningitidis: A, C, Y and w 135.


Recommendations
The meningococcal vaccine is not recommended for everyone. Military recruits are routinely immunized, however, and it's recommended for college freshmen who want to decrease their risk of meningitis.
The vaccine may also be recommended if you:

live in a community with an outbreak of meningitis
travel to or live in an area where meningococcal meningitis is prevalent
do not have a spleen or your spleen is not functioning properly
have terminal complement component deficiency (a medical condition that affects the immune system)
work in a lab where you may be exposed to the bacteria in the air

Dose
The vaccine is given in one injection.

Effectiveness/booster
Protection begins seven to 10 days after the vaccination, but it is not long-lasting. Re-vaccination three to five years later may be needed if your risk of infection continues.

Side effects
Side effects are usually mild and infrequent, including fever and one to two days of pain and redness at the injection site. Very rarely, a serious reaction (such an allergic reaction) may occur.

Who should wait to receive the vaccine
The vaccine may be postponed if you have a moderate to severe acute illness.

Who should not receive the vaccine
You should not receive the vaccine if you've had a serious reaction or allergy to a prior meningococcal immunization.

Pregnancy-specific information
Vaccination can be done during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend it if you're at risk for meningitis.