Helping Kids Stay Safe from Meningococcal Meningitis

It’s mid-October already, and the new school year is well under way. As teens and young adult students resume gathering in classrooms and sharing space with roommates in close living quarters, parents and their kids should be aware of the increased risk of transferable illnesses, especially meningococcal meningitis, a rare but serious disease, and its potentially fatal outcomes.

Since 2021, there’s been a rise in meningococcal meningitis cases in the U.S.ⁱ In 2024, a confirmed 503 cases were reported in the United States, the highest number since 2013.ⁱ As of August 9, 2025, there have been 254 confirmed cases nationwide.ⁱⁱ Despite this, many parents are unaware of the recommendations surrounding meningococcal meningitis vaccines, leaving teens with incomplete protection against the disease. Nearly 85% are not fully protected against the five leading serotypes that cause meningococcal meningitis.ⁱⁱⁱ

What You Need to Know When It Comes to Meningococcal Meningitis

While uncommon, meningococcal meningitis can lead to long-term, life-altering, and, in some cases, deadly consequences. It’s most often caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, for which there are five common serotypes: A, B, C, W, and Y.^iv

The lifestyles of teens and young adults can put them at heightened risk for meningococcal meningitis. Sharing tight living spaces like college dorms, as well as sharing drinks, utensils, or makeup, can make them especially susceptible to contracting the disease. The bacteria can also be spread through coughing and kissing.^v,vi

Early symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often mimic other common illnesses, like the flu, and can include headache, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen, and death can occur within 24 hours of disease onset. One in five survivors may experience serious and permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, vision or hearing loss, or loss of limbs.^vii

Due to the rapid progression of meningococcal meningitis, early diagnosis is critical. One of the most effective tools to help protect against the disease and its severe complications is vaccination.^viii

How Vaccines Protect Against Meningococcal Meningitis

The best way to help protect teens and young adults against the disease and its severe consequences is to make sure they receive all recommended vaccines. Despite this, vaccination coverage remains low, especially for meningococcal meningitis caused by serotype B.^ix

At 17 years old, Francesca Testa contracted meningococcal meningitis, and it nearly took her life. “Doctors told my parents that my chances of staying alive were only 20%,” she stated. “I wasn’t vaccinated against the disease, and as a result, I contracted a severe meningococcal infection in my bloodstream.”

“My life changed forever,” she says. “I still have daily reminders of my battle. I have hearing and vision loss, and scars on my body.”

It’s important that parents discuss their teen’s risk of meningococcal meningitis with their healthcare provider, as well as with their teen, to ensure that they’re vaccinated against all five leading serotypes (A, B, C, W, and Y) of the disease and to be aware of the symptoms so treatment can be administered immediately.

While there are multiple vaccines to help protect against the five leading serotypes that cause meningococcal meningitis, the complex vaccination schedule may be confusing for teens and young adults, parents, and healthcare providers. As a result, many parents may be unaware of the different meningococcal vaccines required to help fully protect their children. When it comes to reducing the risk of contracting the disease and subsequent outbreaks, disease awareness and vaccine education are essential.

Even if your teen has received a meningitis vaccine in the past, talk to their doctor to ensure they’re vaccinated against all five leading meningococcal meningitis serotypes. To learn more about the disease, its risks, and how to protect your child, visit https://meningitis.pfizer.com/.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease Surveillance. CDC. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/php/surveillance/index.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease, all serogroups: (Week 32) Weekly cases* of notifiable diseases, United States, U.S. Territories, and Non-U.S. Residents week ending August 09, 2025. CDC Stacks. Published 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/212314
3. Pingali C, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD, et al. Vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13 -17 years -- National Immunization Survey -Teen, United States, 2022. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72:912–919. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7234a3
4. Rausch-Phung EA, Hall WA, Ashong D. Meningococcal Disease (Neisseria meningitidis Infection). In: StatPearls. StatPearls. National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549849/
5. Burman C, Serra L, Nuttens C, Presa J, Balmer P, York L. Meningococcal disease in adolescents and young adults: A review of the rationale for prevention through vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2018;15(2):459-469. doi:10.1080/21645515.2018.1528831.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About meningococcal disease. CDC. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease: symptoms and diagnosis. CDC. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/symptoms/index.html
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal vaccines. CDC. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/vaccines/index.html
9. Herrera-Restrepo O, Kwiatkowska M, Huse S, Ndegwa N, Kocaata Z, Ganz ML. Meningococcal vaccination disparities in the United States (2010–2021): Findings from the National Immunization Survey-Teen and a commercial insurance database. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2025;21(1):2479338. doi:10.1080/21645515.2025.2479338.