Meningitis vaccine

MinuteClinic providers are trained to perform immunizations to protect against bacterial meningitis. They can review your medical history and administer the vaccine. Your MinuteClinic provider can help you understand the risks and symptoms of meningitis and advise on prevention.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online:

   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:

   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:


   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
   
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
   
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus): Pneumococcus typically causes ear and sinus infections, or pneumonia. This strain is the most common source of bacterial meningitis in the United States.
• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus): This type typically affects teenagers and young adults. Meningococcus is a highly contagious infection and a leading cause of bacterial meningitis. It’s a source of localized epidemics in places where people congregate in close quarters, such as boarding schools and college dorms.
• Listeria monocytogenes (listeria): Unpasteurized cheeses and cured meats such as hot dogs and cold cuts can harbor listeria. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults and persons with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable to listeriosis (infection from listeria). Listeria can pass through the placenta, making infection during late pregnancy possibly fatal to the baby.
• Staphylococcus aureus: This is generally found on the skin and in the respiratory system. It causes staphylococcal meningitis.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Historically, this is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. New Hib vaccines have significantly reduced the number of cases for this type of meningitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following immunization schedule for the two types of available vaccines.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines:

• Children 11 to 12 years old: First dose between the ages of 11 to 12, and a booster at 16 years.
• Teenagers between 13 and 15 years old: First dose between the ages of 13 to 15, followed by a booster shot between the ages 16 and 18.
• Teenagers between 16 and 18 years old: First dose between the ages of 16 to 18. No booster shot is necessary.
• Healthy adults who are unvaccinated adults and have been exposed to an outbreak: First dose at any age. No booster shot is necessary.

Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines:

• Teens and young adults (16 to 23 years old): Two doses at least one month apart, ideally between the ages of 16 and 18.
• Adult patients with sickle cell anemia, HIV or persons without a spleen: Two doses at least one month apart, with a booster one year later followed by additional boosters every 2 to 3 years.

• Vaccination: Getting the meningococcal vaccine can help protect you from contracting meningitis.
• Handwashing: Making this a regular practice helps prevent the spread of germs. Instruct children and young adults to wash and rinse their hands thoroughly, vigorously and frequently. This is especially important before eating, after using the toilet, being in a crowded public place or petting animals.
• Practice good hygiene: Do not share personal items such as lip balm, drinking cups, utensils, food, straws and toothbrushes.
• Stay healthy: Maintain a healthy immune system with proper rest, regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Contain coughs and sneezes: Direct coughs and sneezes into a tissue or the inner bend of your elbow. This will avoid contaminating your hands.
• If you're pregnant: Take extra care with food. Reduce the risk of listeriosis by cooking meats, including hot dogs and deli meat, to 165ºF (74ºC). Choose cheeses clearly labeled to show they’re made with pasteurized milk.

Common meningitis symptoms include:

• A high fever that comes on suddenly
• Severe headache
• Stiffness in the neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or thirst
• Confusion or other changes to your mental state
• Sensitivity to light
• Low energy
• Excessive sleepiness

Babies often have some of the same meningitis symptoms, including fever and vomiting. Other signs in infants and young kids include:

• Irritability and crying
• Difficulty getting them to eat
• Bulging in the soft spot on their skull
• Slower movements, lower activity levels or sluggishness
• Changes to their reflexes

The symptoms of meningitis sometimes seem like other illnesses. A medical provider can determine if the symptoms are caused by meningitis.