The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the meningococcal vaccine (also called the meningitis vaccine) for all teens, preteens, and children and adults at increased risk.
Most people can get the vaccine, but in some cases, a healthcare provider may suggest postponing the vaccine or not getting it. People sometimes opt out of vaccines for nonmedical reasons, but these nonmedical exemptions are correlated with an increased incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Why Someone Might Opt Out of Meningitis Vaccination
Allergies
Severe allergic reactionsto the vaccine are rare, but can be serious or life-threatening. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:
Talk to your healthcare provider and your vaccine provider about your vaccine history and the ingredients in the meningitis vaccine. You may be advised not to get the vaccine (or to get it with special precautions in place) if you have or have had a life-threatening reaction to the vaccine or any part of it.
Current Health Status
Mild acute illnesses, such as upper respiratory infection (like a cold) or otitis media (middle ear infection) do not typically interfere with the response to the vaccine or increase the risk of adverse events following the vaccine. People with these mild illnesses generally don’t need to delay or opt out of the vaccine.
For people with moderate to severe acute illness, the benefits must be weighed against the risks. In ahigh-risk exposure situationor when the window of opportunity for the vaccine is short, the benefits may outweigh the possibility of a vaccine-related adverse event.
In other situations, the vaccine may negatively affect the illness, or vice versa, and delaying the vaccine until you are well may be advised.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether you are healthy for the vaccine.
Possible Side Effects and Future Complications
A lot of misinformation circulates about vaccine side effects and complications, which can make the decision to get the vaccine seem scarier. Research has found that serious side effects and complications from vaccines are rare and far less of a risk thancontracting the disease itself.
Previously, there was speculation that although the risk was small, the meningitis vaccine (specifically Menactra) could have been associated withGuillain-Barré syndrome(GBS, a rare disorder that can cause muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis).
Research has since found no link between Menactra and GBS, and a history of GBS is no longer considered a contraindication or precaution against getting the vaccine.
Most side effects from the meningitis vaccine are mild, but some people experience muscle pain, headache, or tiredness.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience less common but more severe side effects after the vaccine, such as:
Medical procedures,including vaccinations, can make some people faint. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy, have a ringing in the ears, or have vision changes.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Information is limited on the risks of the meningitis vaccine for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but no safety concerns have been identified.
Whether or not pregnant people should receive the vaccine depends on weighing risk vs. benefit. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine may be recommended for pregnant people at increased risk ofserogroups A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease.
Deferring meningococcal serogroup B vaccines for pregnant people may be recommended unless the pregnant person is at risk of serogroup B disease and the benefits of vaccination are determined to outweigh potential risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider before getting a meningitis vaccine if you are pregnant.
Vaccine Safety MonitoringThe CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) license, authorize, and continuously monitor vaccines through several safety systems. To learn more, visit the CDC’sVaccine Safety Monitoring Programwebsite.
Vaccine Safety Monitoring
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) license, authorize, and continuously monitor vaccines through several safety systems. To learn more, visit the CDC’sVaccine Safety Monitoring Programwebsite.
Documentation for Meningitis Vaccine Exemption
You would need to check the requirements in your area, but some general guidelines include:
To find out more specific information on vaccine policies in your area:
Summary
Themeningitis vaccineis the best way to protect against serious, and life-threatening meningococcal conditions, such as meningitis. Most people can safely get the vaccine with no or minor side effects.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend postponing or not getting the vaccine, including allergies, moderate or severe acute illness, possible side effects or complications, or pregnancy.
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all preteens and teens as part of their routine vaccination schedule. The MenB vaccine may also be advised for some teens and young adults. People of other ages may benefit from the vaccine if they have a higher risk of getting the illness.
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the meningitis vaccine is right for you or your child.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins.Meningococcal vaccine for teens.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccine safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.
Public Health Agency of Canada.Contraindications and precautions: Canadian immunization guide.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal ACWY VIS.
Merck Manual.Meningococcal vaccine.
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