Children Vaccines

Meningococcal Vaccines

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Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by a strain of bacteria called Neisseria meningitides. This invasive bacteria is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in children aged 2 to 18 in the U.S.Meningococcal disease can include meningitis -- a serious, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord -- and/or a life-threatening blood infection. Meningococcal disease can cause limb loss through amputation, hearing loss, problems with the nervous system, mental retardation, seizures, and strokes. Fortunately, meningococcal disease is preventable, and the key to prevention is the meningococcal vaccine.