Meningitis Vaccines
Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) protects against bacterial meningitis, which is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Immunization schedule—MCV4 is approved for use in children over the age of 2 and usually is administered as one injection, at 11–12 years of age. If not previously vaccinated, adolescents should receive MCV4 before entering college or the military. This vaccine should not be given to children who have had an allergic reaction to the DTaP vaccine or latex.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) protects against infection with the pneumococcal bacterium, which can cause pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis.
Immunization schedule—PCV is administered as follows:
- Dose 1 at 2 months of age
- Dose 2 at 4 months of age
- Dose 3 at 6 months of age
- Dose 4 at 12 months of age
Children over the age of 2 who have an underlying medical condition that increases the risk for pneumococcal infection also may receive the PPV (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine).
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 28 Aug 2008
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 17 Jun 2008
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