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Updated on March 5, 2025
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by the bacteria N meningitidis. Meningitis B is one of type of meningococcal disease. It happens when bacteria grow in the meninges, which are the layers around the brain and spinal cord.
Without treatment, meningitis B often results in death. People who survive may experience hearing loss, brain damage, paralysis, or the loss of an arm or leg. Even with treatment, 10 to 15 percent of patients will die, and roughly 20 percent will have permanent complications. Fortunately, there are vaccines available to help protect you.
Vaccines for meningitis B
There are two vaccines available for meningitis B. They are called meningococcal vaccines and they’re given in multiple doses.
- The MenB vaccine protects only against meningitis B.
- The MenABCWY vaccine protects against five types of meningitis, including meningitis B.
The recommendations for vaccination are different, depending on risk level.
- People at high risk should be vaccinated for meningitis B. This includes people 10 years and older who may be exposed to it due to outbreak or because of lab research. It also includes anyone with a health condition that puts them at a greater risk of meningitis B, such as sickle cell disease.
- People at normal risk can be vaccinated for meningitis B if they choose, a decision they can make with the guidance of their healthcare provider (HCP). This approach is called “shared clinical decision making.” For normal-risk people, the vaccine is given between the ages of 16 and 23, and ideally between ages 16 and 18.
If you are a teen or the parent of a teen at normal risk of meningitis B and are considering getting vaccinated, here are some topics you may want to discuss with your HCP.
Discuss the risk of getting meningitis B
Meningitis B is rare. There are only a few hundred cases in the United States each year. This means the risk of becoming infected is very low.
However, because of its life-threatening nature, there is value for people in the normal risk category to get the MenB or MenABCWY vaccine. Outbreaks of meningococcal disease have occurred at several U.S. colleges. As a result, many colleges and universities and more than 20 states require students be vaccinated.
Discuss which vaccine to get
When deciding which vaccine to get, it’s important to consider exposure and risk, dosing schedule, and cost. You can also ask your HCP if they recommend a particular vaccine. The same vaccine must be used for all doses.
Discuss the possibility of side effects
Mild side effects from the MenB and MenABCWY vaccines are common. People who receive one may experience discoloration, swelling, or soreness at the site of the injection. Other mild side effects include:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle and/or joint pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
These vaccines do not contain live bacteria and cannot cause a meningococcal disease. Serious side effects are uncommon.
Discuss allergies, pregnancy, and illnesses
Your HCP needs to know:
- If the person receiving a vaccine is pregnant or breastfeeding
- If they have severe allergies that could result in a life-threatening allergic reaction
- If they have had an allergic reaction to a previous meningococcal vaccine or other vaccines
- If they are currently ill
In these cases, the risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine should be discussed with your HCP, and in some cases, vaccination may be delayed.
Discuss what other vaccinations you or your teen needs
Remember that this is just one vaccination. There are numerous other vaccines that may be recommended for your teen. If your child has missed vaccinations in the past, your HCP can follow a catchup schedule for getting them up to date. It can also be helpful to keep a record of the vaccinations your teen has received for your own health records.
