Meningitis vaccine
This is a practical guide to meningococcal disease vaccination.
The best part?
We’ll give you only factual information based on reliable sources and our experience.
Contents
At a glance
- Required or recommended? It is recommended for people traveling to any high-risk country. It is required only by Saudi Arabia for people attending the Islamic pilgrimages.
- Where is it common? Mostly sub-Saharan Africa (the meningitis belt).
- How is it transmitted? It is transmitted via respiratory droplets and throat secretions (sneezing, kissing, coughing, etc.).
- Duration of protection: Three to five years (depending on the type of vaccine).
Meningococcal Vaccine Info
One shot at least
10 days before traveling
About 90% in 10 days
protection
Three years for polysaccharide vaccine
Five years for conjugate vaccine
Local soreness, swelling, redness
Fever
Where It’s Most Common
Meningococcal disease has spread worldwide. The highest-risk geographical area is sub-Saharan Africa. This territory includes 26 countries and has been nicknamed the “meningitis belt.” There are about 30,000 cases a year in the meningitis belt.
About Meningococcal Infection
This section summarizes the most important facts about meningococcal infection.
Meningococcal Vaccination FAQ
Here are the questions our patients frequently ask about the meningococcal disease vaccination. [1] Meningococcal Vaccination https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/index.html We’ve answered them based on 17 years of being the busiest travel clinic in Midtown Manhattan. Let’s dive in!