I’ve had the meningitis vaccine before in 2008 and my school is telling me that they only accept the vaccine since 2012. So that means that I have to get a booster shot. But really, is the booster shot necessary. Is there anyone that has ever had meningitis because they didn’t get the booster shot? I’ve never heard of anyone who got meningitis and had the shot but not the booster. Any opinions is welcome!
From: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/who-vaccinate.htm
Is there a reason you don’t want to get the booster shot? I would think your insurance would cover it, and it’s not like it takes that long to get.
Just in general though, anecdotal evidence (“I’ve never heard of that happening…”, “No one I know has ever had that happen…”, etc) from a very small sample size isn’t really the best way to make medical decisions, and it’s not really what vaccine recommendations are based on.
I got it before college, just do it, it’s never a bad idea and insurance should cover it.
The booster is not necessary, if you’re okay with getting meningitis.
But seriously, it’s either free or dirt cheap, and you should definitely get it.
And yes, there are definitely people who got meningitis because they didn’t get the booster shot.
If the school won’t let u enroll w/o it, then it’s “necessary”.
Getting vaccinated against horrible, life-altering illnesses is generally a good idea.
Unless of course, you’re a hollywood star. Hollywood stars have divine immunity to contagious disease.
Here’s the detailed rationale, begins on page 72.
A teenage girl from my school died of a sudden, severe illness which turned out to be bacterial meningitis. Get the vaccine.
I was vaccinated around age 15 but my school wanted the vaccine at age 16+ so I had to get it again. It wasn’t a big deal.
I mean, if you don’t care about suffering and dying from an excruciating, often preventable illness, then nah it’s not necessary.
No, the meningitis vaccine is not necessary for you to enroll. By law, you may claim an exemption for religious reasons, no questions asked. Other reasons too, but I can’t remember off the top of my head while writing this.
But if you claim an exemption, it may take several weeks to process. Considering how it’s July and school starts next month, it’s very unlikely that you will get it processed in time for class registration at orientation.
Silly question. It can kill you before you realize what’s up. Why even ask?
Why wouldn’t you get it? A sore arm for a few days vs potentially getting a life-altering or fatal disease seems like a no-brainer to me. If the meningitis B vaccine is available to you get that as well (it’s a 2-shot series); most of the university outbreaks in the past few years have been B strains.
Everyone is being a little harsh, the OP seems to understand vaccines are important to protect against disease, and it merely asking if there’s scientific evidence for the booster. After all, the pre-college booster is a fairly new recommendation.
Yes, it is necessary. Someone at my former university got the Meningococcal disease (which the Meningitis shot helps prevents) and there was a bit of a scare regarding the spread of the disease.
One small correction of cheeroutloud. The meningitis B is a 3 shot series. First one, then 2 months later, and then again 6 months after that. There is an app available to remind you when it is time for the next one for those who lose track of time.
Hmmmm… my doctors office (and the info sheet that I got when I got the vaccine) said it’s two, 30 days apart. Maybe it’s changed since I got mine, since it’s pretty darn new!
@CheerOutLoud - I just looked at the materials the doctor gave us after the 1st dose to confirm. Trumenba is the brand. It clearly says 1st dose, 2nd dose after 2 months, and 3rd dose 6 months after that. My son had his this past Wednesday. His arm was stiff for 2 1/2 days, he reported. Do check if you received different information.
Well that’ll be the reason- I had the Bexsero injection, and upon further research found that there is a three-injection series for babies and young kids, and just two for teens and adults. The sore arm was on par with a tetanus shot if you ask me!
Uh oh, my kid is a teen so now I wonder if he was given the wrong brand.