Meningococcal meningitis immunization for children

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). In the United States, meningococcal meningitis is most common in children younger than age 1. People ages 18 to 23 also have a slightly higher risk of infection. First-year ollege students have a modestly higher risk of infection compared to others in their age group, especially if they live in dormitories or residence halls.
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 your child:

lives in a community with an outbreak of meningitis
travels to or lives in an area where meningococcal meningitis is prevalent
does not have a spleen or has a spleen that is not functioning properly
has terminal complement component deficiency, a condition that affects the immune system
works in a lab where he or she may be exposed to the bacteria in the air

Dose
The vaccine is given in two doses for children under age 2, with the second dose given three months after the first. For all other children, a single shot is needed.

Effectiveness/booster
Protection begins seven to 10 days after the vaccination, but it's not long-lasting. For those who were vaccinated before age 4, re-vaccination is recommended after two to three years. Otherwise, re-vaccination three to five years later may be needed if the 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 allergic reaction may occur.

Who should wait to receive the vaccine
The vaccine may be postponed if your child has a moderate to severe acute illness.

Who should not receive the vaccine
Your child should not receive the vaccine if he or she has had a serious reaction or allergy to a prior meningococcal immunization.