What Is a Meningitis Vaccine?
The meningitis vaccine is a vaccination that decreases one’s chances of contracting bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection that affects the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is often viral, but can be bacterial as well. The meningitis vaccine only protects against bacterial strains. The vaccine is especially recommended for ages 11 to 18, and beyond that for students living in college dormitories, as meningitis spreads more easily in close quarters. Two types of vaccines are available to prevent meningitis: Menomune and Menactra. Like flu vaccines, meningitis vaccines can’t protect against all bacterial strains, but they do protect against the most common strains.
The meningitis vaccine is a vaccination that decreases one’s chances of contracting bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection that affects the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is often viral, but can be bacterial as well. The meningitis vaccine only protects against bacterial strains. The vaccine is especially recommended for ages 11 to 18, and beyond that for students living in college dormitories, as meningitis spreads more easily in close quarters. Two types of vaccines are available to prevent meningitis: Menomune and Menactra. Like flu vaccines, meningitis vaccines can’t protect against all bacterial strains, but they do protect against the most common strains. Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that has been known to kill otherwise healthy individuals. It can be contracted by itself or as the result of some other illness, such as strep throat or pneumonia. Those who survive the illness often have permanent lasting effects, such as mental and
