does the vaccine for meningitis work for both viral and bacterial meningitis?

Lori Buher responds:

No. Menactra, the vaccine given to protect against meningococcal (bacterial) meningitis will not protect against viral meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends meningococcal vaccination for all adolescents 11-18 years of age.

Please talk to your health care professional about the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting viral meningitis. You can find out more about Menactra and the importance of vaccinating against meningococcal meningitis by going to our website at http://www.nmaus.org