Information About Your Child's Meningococcal Vaccination
Your child should receive the MenACWY booster vaccine now, even though they missed the recommended age-16 dose. 1 This single catch-up dose will provide important protection against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
Why This Vaccine Is Important Now
Adolescents and young adults (ages 16-23) face the highest risk for meningococcal disease after infants. 2 Your child is currently in this high-risk period. The vaccine given at age 11-12 loses effectiveness over time—antibody levels decline significantly 3-5 years after vaccination, which is why the booster at age 16 is so important. 2
What Vaccine Your Child Will Receive
Your child will get one dose of a MenACWY conjugate vaccine. There are three brands available, and they work equally well:
- Menactra (MenACWY-D)
- Menveo (MenACWY-CRM)
- MenQuadfi (MenACWY-TT)
All three vaccines are interchangeable—it doesn't matter which brand was used for the first dose at age 11-12. 2, 1
Important Detail About This Catch-Up Dose
Because your child is receiving this dose after their 16th birthday, they will not need another MenACWY booster dose in the future (unless they develop specific medical conditions that increase their risk). 3 This single catch-up dose provides long-lasting protection.
How the Vaccine Is Given
- Single injection in the upper arm muscle
- Can be given at the same time as other vaccines your child may need
- Takes just a few minutes
What to Expect After Vaccination
Common side effects are mild and temporary:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
These typically resolve within 1-2 days. Your child can take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
About Meningococcal B (MenB) Vaccine
You should also discuss the MenB vaccine with your healthcare provider. This is a separate vaccine that protects against serogroup B meningococcal disease, which is the leading cause of meningococcal disease in adolescents and young adults in the United States. 4
Key points about MenB:
- Recommended for ages 16-23 (preferably 16-18) based on shared decision-making with your provider 1
- Requires 2 doses given either 1 month apart (Bexsero brand) or at 0 and 6 months (Trumenba brand) 1
- Covers a different serogroup than the MenACWY vaccine—both vaccines together provide the most complete protection
- Can be given at the same visit as the MenACWY booster
Approximately 50% of meningococcal disease in adolescents is caused by serogroup B, which is NOT covered by the MenACWY vaccine. 2 This is why discussing MenB vaccination is important for your child's complete protection.
Why Act Now
Getting vaccinated now protects your child during their highest-risk years. Many cases of meningococcal disease occur in late adolescence and early adulthood, particularly among college students living in dormitories. 3, 2 Even if your child isn't planning to live in a dorm, they remain at increased risk simply due to their age.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- Should my child receive the MenB vaccine series today along with the MenACWY booster?
- Which MenB vaccine brand do you recommend (2-dose vs 3-dose series)?
- Are there any reasons my child should not receive these vaccines today?
The most important action is to get the MenACWY booster now—don't delay further. Protection wanes significantly over time, and your child has already missed the optimal window for the booster dose.