How much does the meningitis vaccine cost?
How much does the meningitis vaccine cost?
$170 – $280 average cost without insurance
Meningitis vaccine cost
The meningitis vaccine costs $170 to $230 without insurance for the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine and $190 to $280 for the Meningococcal Serogroup B (MenB) vaccine. Most health insurance plans cover the full cost of meningitis vaccination.
| Vaccine type | Average cost (without insurance) |
Brand names |
|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal Conjugate (Groups A, C, W, and Y) |
$170 – $230 | Menveo, MenQuadfi, Menactra |
| Meningococcal Serogroup B | $190 – $280 | Bexero, Trumenba |
Many schools and local health departments offer free or discounted meningitis vaccines for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free meningitis vaccination for eligible children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled, or American Indian or Alaska Native.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Bacterial meningitis is particularly dangerous and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Meningitis can be fatal. The severity and outcome depend on the type of pathogen, the patient's age, and how quickly treatment is administered. Prompt medical attention is crucial for the best possible outcome.
How do you get meningitis?
Meningitis is contagious and is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person. However, people can contract the infection through various means, depending on the specific pathogen. The most common ways to get meningitis include:
Close contact with an infected person: Bacterial meningitis can spread through respiratory droplets or saliva, often through coughing, sneezing, or kissing.
Contaminated food or water: Some forms of viral or bacterial meningitis can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Environmental exposure: Certain fungi that can cause meningitis are found in soil or bird droppings.
Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to developing meningitis from pathogens that wouldn't typically cause infection in healthy individuals.
Meningitis symptoms
Common symptoms of meningitis include:
Sudden high fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion or altered mental state
Skin rash (in some cases of bacterial meningitis)
Seizures
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly or in combination.
Meningitis vaccine FAQs
Can you get meningitis if you are vaccinated?
While meningitis vaccines significantly reduce the risk of infection, they don't provide 100% protection. It's still possible, though rare, to contract meningitis even if you've been vaccinated. This can happen for several reasons:
The vaccine doesn't protect against all types of meningitis-causing pathogens.
Vaccine effectiveness can wane over time.
Some individuals may not develop a strong immune response to the vaccine.
Despite these limitations, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent meningococcal disease and its potentially severe consequences.
How long does the meningitis vaccine last?
The duration of protection provided by meningitis vaccines varies depending on the specific vaccine and the age at which it was administered. Generally:
The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria, provides protection for 3 to 5 years.
The MenB vaccine, which protects against Serogroup B meningococcal disease, is estimated to provide protection for 1 to 3 years.
Because meningitis vaccines only provide protection for a limited time, the CDC recommends booster doses, especially for individuals at higher risk of exposure or with ongoing risk factors.
Is the meningitis vaccine safe?
Yes, meningitis vaccines are generally considered safe and effective. Like all vaccines, they undergo rigorous testing and continuous monitoring for safety and efficacy. While some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache, or fatigue, serious adverse reactions are rare.
Is the meningitis vaccine a live vaccine?
The meningitis vaccine is not a live vaccine. Instead, it contains either inactivated bacteria or specific proteins from the bacteria, which cannot cause the disease but can stimulate an immune response to protect against future infections.
When did the meningitis vaccine become mandatory?
The requirements for meningitis vaccination vary by location and have evolved over time. Many colleges and universities began requiring meningococcal vaccination for incoming students in the early 2000s. However, specific mandates differ by state and institution.
The meningococcal vaccine is now part of the routine childhood immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccination is currently required for secondary school attendance in 36 states.
Always check with your local health department or educational institution for the most up-to-date requirements in your area.
When do you get the meningitis vaccine?
The CDC recommends the following schedule for the MenACWY meningococcal conjugate vaccine:
First dose at age 11 to 12 years
Booster dose at age 16 years
For the MenB vaccine, the recommended age for vaccination is 16 to 23 years, with 16 to 18 years being the preferred age range.
Do meningococcal vaccines contain pork?
Most meningococcal vaccines do not contain pork products. However, it's important to note that some vaccines may contain trace amounts of porcine gelatin as a stabilizer.
Consult with your healthcare provider if this is a concern due to dietary restrictions or religious beliefs. They can provide information on specific vaccine formulations and discuss alternative options if available.
Where to get the meningitis vaccine
You can get vaccinated for meningitis at:
Doctor's offices
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens
Local health departments
Community health clinics
School vaccination clinics
Many of these locations offer walk-in services for vaccinations, but it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability and schedule an appointment if necessary. Remember to bring any relevant immunization records and insurance information when getting vaccinated.
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