Meningitis Vaccine

Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal meningitis, yet according to the CDC, more than half of U.S. teens have not yet received the recommended second dose of MenACWY, potentially leaving many adolescents without protection.

Anyone at any age can contract meningococcal meningitis, but teens and young adults between 16 and 23 years of age are among those with an increased risk of infection, likely due to common lifestyles and behaviors among this age group, such as living or socializing in crowded conditions.

Through The 16 Vaccine educational campaign, the National Meningitis Association is urging parents to ask their teen’s healthcare provider about the MenACWY second dose at their 16-year visit.

Parents of teens can find more information about the CDC-recommended MenACWY second dose and other important vaccinations, including the Meningitis B vaccine, that should be considered for their teen at The16Vaccine.org. The campaign website features emotional firsthand stories of meningococcal meningitis survivors and NMA advocates, like Blake Schuchardt, whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by the disease. Parents can also sign up for a text reminder at The16Vaccine.org, which will alert parents when it’s time to schedule an appointment for their teen’s 16-year vaccine visit.