07/27/2026
Meningococcal infections are serious illnesses caused by bacteria. While not very common, these infections can cause healthy teens and young kids to quickly get very sick, including infections of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (bacterial meningitis) and sepsis (a bloodstream infection).
Most people get infected at home or in crowded shared spaces like day care centers, schools, and college campuses.
The vaccine against meningococcal infections is one of the AAP recommended childhood immunizations. Teens should get their first dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) at age 11 or 12 and another booster at age 16.
For more information about meningitis symptoms or the meningococcal B vaccine, link in bio.