Meningococcal Vaccine
Protection against meningococcal disease for teens and certain high-risk individuals.
What is the Meningococcal vaccine?
Meningococcal vaccines help protect against serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. MenACWY is routinely recommended for adolescents, while MenB may be considered for teens and young adults based on age, risk, and shared clinical decision-making.
Ages
Ages 11 to 18, with high-risk use at other ages
Doses
1 to 3 doses depending on vaccine type and risk
Schedule
MenACWY and MenB
About the Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal vaccines help protect against serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. MenACWY is routinely recommended for adolescents, while MenB may be considered for teens and young adults based on age, risk, and shared clinical decision-making.
Who should get this vaccine?
- Adolescents ages 11 to 12 who should receive the first MenACWY dose, with a booster at age 16
- Teens and young adults ages 16 to 23 who may receive MenB based on shared clinical decision-making
- First-year college students living in residence halls who are not up to date on MenACWY
- Military recruits
- People with complement deficiencies, complement inhibitor use, or asplenia
- Travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is more common, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa
Side effects & contraindications
Common side effects
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
MenB vaccines may cause more injection-site soreness than MenACWY vaccines. Most side effects are mild and usually resolve within a few days.
Rare side effects
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
Who should NOT get this vaccine
- Severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine or to any vaccine component
- People who are currently moderately or severely ill may need to wait until they recover
Always inform your pharmacist of any allergies, medical conditions, or medications before receiving the Meningococcal vaccine.
Dosing Schedule
MenACWY is routinely given at ages 11 to 12, with a booster at age 16. MenB schedules vary by brand and risk level, with 2 or 3 doses depending on the product used and the reason for vaccination. Availability may vary by location.
Forms & Documents
Vaccine consent forms and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are provided before vaccination. Availability may vary by location.
After your vaccination
Aftercare tips
- Apply a cool compress to the injection site if it feels sore
- Move your arm throughout the day to help reduce stiffness
- Stay hydrated and rest if you feel tired
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed
- Visit our contact page if you experience symptoms lasting more than 3 days or anything severe
Cost & coverage
Coverage varies by vaccine and insurance plan. Our team can help verify your benefits during the scheduling process or at the time of your visit, including Medicare, Medicaid, and many commercial plans when applicable. For patients paying out of pocket, ask about current self-pay pricing.
Contact us to verify your coverageMenACWY helps protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, while MenB helps protect against serogroup B. Some people may need one type, while others may need both depending on age and risk.
Ready to get vaccinated?
Scheduling and walk-in availability may vary by location. Please visit our contact page to confirm options for your preferred branch.
Call us
Contact Us
Phone
(951) 406-1521Office hours
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Location
10465 Arlington Ave., Suite 300
Riverside, CA 92505
Need a refill? Call us or use the Quick Rx app for fast prescription refills.