The Meningococcal Vaccine

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a contagious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. According to CDC, 1,000 to 2,000 people are infected with meningococcal disease each year in the US. Even with antibiotics, 10-15% of these individuals die, another 11-19% will have limb loss,
become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, have mental disabilities or suffer from seizures or strokes. This is why preventing this severe disease through the use of meningococcal vaccine is important for people at high risk.

Who should get the vaccine?

In the mix of recent college acceptance letters and forms for your child, you might have seen a recommendation or requirement for the meningococcal vaccine from their future alma mater. College freshmen are a core group the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends to receive the vaccine.

This group also includes U.S. military recruits, adolescents and anyone traveling to a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as Africa.

Where can I get the vaccine?

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has the meningococcal vaccine available at a lower cost. To be vaccinated, visit us .

Learn more about this vaccine.