Meningococcal Vaccination
Meningococci can cause severe meningitis and sepsis. The vaccination is recommended especially for children, adolescents, and travelers.
- STIKO-recommended
- ~30 min incl. observation
Who should be vaccinated against meningococci?
Meningococci are bacteria that can cause severe meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Children, adolescents, and young adults are most commonly affected. There are different types (A, B, C, W, Y) — therefore there are different vaccines. The vaccination is recommended especially for infants and adolescents, before travel to risk areas, and for certain pre-existing conditions. We advise you individually.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who Needs This Vaccination?
In specific travel circumstances to high-risk countries and at certain times of year (usually during the dry season), vaccination may be necessary. Special travel circumstances include deployment as disaster relief workers or medical personnel, extended stays abroad, student exchanges, adventure or backpacking travel, or pilgrimages. The primary risk zone is the extended so-called Meningitis Belt in Africa.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE
How the Vaccination Works
There are three licensed vaccines for meningococcal vaccination. All vaccines are inactivated and must be administered intramuscularly.
The vaccine against serogroup ACWY must be given once before departure. A booster is recommended after 10 years. The vaccines against serogroup B must be administered twice, with an interval of 1 or 6 months depending on the specific vaccine.
Reported side effects include loss of appetite, irritability, headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, and fatigue.
Should I Be Vaccinated Against Meningococcal Disease?
To find out which vaccinations are advisable for your planned trip, simply book an appointment for travel medicine advice at one of our avi practices and discuss this with our medical team. The team will advise you on what to consider so that you can travel safely and with peace of mind on your next trip.
VACCINATION PROCESS
How the Vaccination Works
We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.
- 1
Information Consultation
We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.
~10 min
- 2
History & Vaccination Advice
We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.
~5 min
- 3
Vaccination
The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.
~2 min
- 4
Observation Period
You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.
~15 min
PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your vaccination record
So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.
Clarify acute illnesses
We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.
After the appointment
Take it easy
Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.
Normal reactions
Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.
Report severe symptoms
For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.
Side effects
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
from €65