Key points
- CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
- Many of the indications for MenACWY and MenB vaccination overlap.
- However, some indications are specific for each vaccine type.
- Learn what factors can increase someone's risk for meningococcal disease.
Indications for MenACWY vaccination
The following table summarizes the factors that can increase someone's risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease.
Medical conditions
- Complement component deficiency (e.g., C5-C9, properdin, factor H, factor D)
- Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
- HIV
Medications
- Complement inhibitors (e.g., Soliris® or Ultomiris®)
Settings or occupations
- Traveling to or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common
- Microbiologist who is routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis (the causal pathogen)
- Military recruit
- First-year college student living in a residence hall and not up to date with this vaccine
- Being a part of a community experiencing a serogroup A, C, W or Y outbreak
Indications for MenB vaccination
The following table summarizes the factors that can increase someone's risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease.
Medical conditions
- Complement component deficiency (e.g., C5-C9, properdin, factor H, factor D)
- Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
Medications
- Complement inhibitors (e.g., Soliris® or Ultomiris®)
Settings or occupations
- Microbiologist routinely exposed to N. meningitidis
- Being a part of a community experiencing a serogroup B outbreak