If you have gone through college orientation, you probably are already vaccinated for Meningitis, or at least have heard of the vaccine. Meningitis is a common vaccine given to people who are going to be in close quarters with strangers from different parts of the country or world.
About Meningitis
Meningitis is a bacterial disease spread through coughing and sneezing or through person-to-person contact such as kissing, sharing drinking glasses, or intimate contact. Meningitis inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and is considered a medical emergency. Without treatment, Meningitis can lead to fatality.
Meningitis is preventable and treatable. The Meningitis vaccine should be administered 2-3 weeks before travel. The Meningitis vaccine is the quadrivalent and inactivated vaccine, and a single shot provides cover against strains A, C, Y, and W135 of the disease. A single dose of vaccine is given intramuscularly and booster dose every 5 years.
Meningitis vaccines are recommended for:
People staying in high risk areas for extended time periods, such as 1 month or more
Adults with poor function of the spleen or spleen removed if traveling to a country with increased risk of serogroups A, W135 and Y disease
People engaging in high-risk holidays or work, such as backpacking or living in rural communities
People attending the Hajj (Mecca) and Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia
Seasonal working in the Hajj area
Meningitis vaccines are NOT recommended for:
People with a current severe febrile illness (high fever)
People with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction (lip and tongue swelling, rash, shortness of breath, etc.) to a previous dose of meningitis vaccine
Symptoms of Meningitis
Sudden Fever
Intense Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Stiff Neck
Travel Vaccinations for Meningitis
It is important to talk to a professional about the vaccines required for specific areas of the world, but high-risk areas for contracting Group A meningococcal meningitis include, Angola Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Saudi Arabia.
However, outbreaks may also occur in countries not listed.
Where travelers can get vaccinated for meningitis in New York City?
Our certified conveniently located Midtown Manhattan travel clinic offers vaccine for meningococcal meningitis and other immunizations for travel safely and promptly.
Please call us at (212) 696 5900 to ensure your travel safety or visit our travel vaccination clinic website for more information.
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