Vaccines Your Teen Needs
There are currently three meningococcal vaccine options for teens and young adults.
Three types of meningococcal vaccines are used in the United States. Each type helps protect against different serogroups (strains) of Neisseria meningitidis.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine or MenACWY vaccine Protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine or MenB vaccine Protects against serogroup B Pentavalent vaccine or MenABCWY vaccine Serum Protects against groups A, B, C, W, and Y
Recommendations by vaccine type
Male ACWY vaccine
All preteens (ages 11-12) should receive the MenACWY vaccine. Because protection decreases over time, the CDC recommends a booster shot at age 16. Booster vaccinations protect teenagers at the age when they are most at risk for meningococcal disease.
Many universities require proof of MenACWY vaccination within the past five years before admission. Regardless of school requirements, the CDC recommends a booster shot for all teens who receive their first dose before their 16th birthday. Teens who receive their first MenACWY vaccine after age 16 do not need a booster.
MenB vaccine
Teens, preferably between the ages of 16 and 18, can receive the MenB vaccine.
Although all teens can choose to receive the MenB vaccine, certain preteens and teens are required to receive it. The CDC recommends the MenB vaccine for preteens and teenagers with the following risk factors:
Male ABCWY vaccine as an option
Preteens and teens who receive the MenACWY and MenB vaccines in the same visit can receive the MenABCWY vaccine instead. If the MenABCWY vaccine is not available, the MenACWY and MenB vaccines can be administered as two separate doses, preferably in different groups.
MenB considerations
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare. Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. universities in the past decade. The CDC’s current recommendations give people access to the MenB vaccine to help prevent this rare but serious disease.
However, health care providers and parents should discuss disease risks and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination. Available data indicate that these vaccines safely provide protection, but that protection declines fairly rapidly after vaccination.
Learn more about the effectiveness of the meningococcal vaccine.
Brand considerations
The CDC does not have preferences over which brand of meningococcal vaccine someone receives.
However, it is important to note that both MenB vaccine brands require multiple doses for maximum protection. All vaccinations should be of the same brand of MenB vaccine. MenABCWY vaccines include the MenB vaccine Trumenba®. If you received the MenABCWY vaccine, you should receive Trumenba® as your second dose of MenB.
Safety and side effects
Meningococcal vaccines safely provide protection. Like medicines, vaccines can have side effects. Learn more about possible side effects of the meningococcal vaccine.
Teens and young adults are more likely to experience side effects after receiving the MenB vaccine compared to other vaccines given to teenagers and young adults. Other vaccines include HPV, MenACWY, and Tdap vaccines.
The CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines. Please see our Vaccine Information Statement for more information.
