Meningococcal vaccination

What are meningococci?

Behind this are bacteria of the species Neisseria meningitidis. An infection can lead to inflammation of the meninges (menigococcal meningitis) or bacterial blood poisoning (so-called meningococcal sepsis). Meningococci are transmitted via droplet infections. This means that you can infect them primarily through coughing or sneezing and through direct close contact, for example when kissing.
There are several subgroups of meningococcal bacteria, including serogroup B in Germany. Serogroup W prevails in the meningitis belt in Africa and serogroup C in South America.
Meningococcal diseases must be treated in hospital, as they are almost always severe and often result in complications. Paralysis of the arms or legs, cranial nerve paralysis, seizures and damage to the inner ear, including deafness, are possible.

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Who should be vaccinated against meningococcus?

Vaccination may be necessary in case of special travel circumstances to countries at risk and at certain times of the year (usually during the dry season). Special travel circumstances include assignments as disaster relief workers or medical personnel, during long-term stays, as exchange students, on adventure/backpacking trips or on pilgrimages. The main risk area is the extended, so-called meningitis belt in Africa.

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How and when is meningococcal vaccination carried out and what must be considered?

There are three approved vaccines for meningococcal vaccinations. All vaccines are dead vaccines and must be administered into the muscle.

The vaccine against serogroup ACWY must be vaccinated once before departure. Refreshing is recommended after 10 years.
Serogroup B vaccinations must be given twice, at intervals of 1 or 6 months, depending on the vaccine.

The side effects reported include loss of appetite, irritability, headaches, stomach and intestinal problems and tiredness.

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Should I get vaccinated against meningococcus?

To find out which vaccinations are appropriate for your planned trip, simply arrange a Appointment for travel medicine consultation in one of our avi practices and talk to our team of doctors. The team will tell you what you should consider so that you can travel safely and with peace of mind on your next trip.