June 16, 2005

Medical experts are now recommending the routine vaccination of young adolescents (11- to 12-year-olds) against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is rare. It only affects about 3,000 people in the United States each year. But the infection is highly contagious, and it can spread rapidly throughout the body and be life threatening if not treated promptly.

Teens and young adults, especially college students, are more at risk for the disease than others because they spend a lot of time in close contact with many of their peers, in close quarters like dormitories where germs can rapidly spread. An older vaccine has been available for high-risk groups, including college students living in dorms, but it was not recommended for routine immunization.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend routine meningococcal vaccination, with the recently approved quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) for:

• young teens (11- to 12-year-olds)
• teens who are entering high school or are 15 years old (whichever comes first) for those who have not previously been vaccinated
• all college freshmen living in dormitories
• other groups at high risk, such as those with underlying medical conditions or travelers to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease

Kids who are vaccinated at these ages with this new vaccine typically need only one shot, which should protect them against meningitis for up to 10 years. By recommending vaccination for kids who are 11, doctors are hoping to increase the number of kids who are protected against meningitis by the time they reach an age where they are at risk for catching the disease. For more information about getting the vaccine, talk with your child's doctor.

This vaccine offers no protection against viral meningitis, a more common but less serious form of the illness. There is no vaccine for viral meningitis.

Symptoms of Meningitis

It is important to promptly identify and treat a meningitis infection.

The infectious agents of meningitis usually spread from person to person in tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected. The first symptoms of meningitis can surface several days after a child has had a cold and runny nose, diarrhea, and vomiting or other signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Some of the more common symptoms include fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), irritability, and skin rashes. Older children may complain of a headache, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light), and a stiff neck. The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can also cause blood infections, pneumonia, and other problems.

Preventing Meningitis

Routine immunization of young adolescents will help prevent this rare but serious infection.

Good hygiene is an important means of preventing any infection, including meningitis. It's important to encourage your family members to wash their hands thoroughly and often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. It's important to avoid close contact with someone who is obviously ill. You can halt the spread of germs by not sharing food, drinks, tissues, towels, or eating utensils.

Typically the infection is not spread through casual contact at school or work with someone who has the infection. Speak with a doctor if you or your child has been exposed to someone suspected of having meningitis. Close contacts should receive preventive medicine within 24 hours of diagnosis.

Treating Meningitis

If meningitis is suspected, doctors typically order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, including a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. Because it is crucial to treat meningitis quickly, doctors typically start intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible, often before a diagnosis has been confirmed.

Typically, kids who are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis are hospitalized so that they can be closely monitored and continue to receive antibiotics and other intensive-care treatment.

It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis or if your child exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, headache, lethargy or confusion, neck stiffness, rash, and fever.

If your child has been in contact with someone who has meningitis (for example, in a child-care center or a college dorm), call your child's doctor to determine whether your child should take preventive medication.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: June 2005