A meningo vaccine, specifically the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), protects against meningococcal disease.
Understanding the Meningo Vaccine
The meningo vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This bacteria can lead to:
- Meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes)
- Septicemia (blood infection)
Types of Meningococcal Bacteria Covered
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) offers protection against four prevalent types of meningococcal bacteria:
| Type | Covered by MenACWY? |
|---|---|
| A | Yes |
| C | Yes |
| W | Yes |
| Y | Yes |
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for:
- All kids and teens age 11 and older.
Vaccination helps protect individuals and contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of the disease.
