My daughter got her meningitis vaccine two years ago. Does she need to have another one, or is that a one time vaccine? Thank you.

Lori Buher responds:

Hi. There are two vaccines currently available. The first vaccine on the market was called Menomune. It protects against 4 of the 5 disease strains. It has been effective, but offers protection for only 3 to 5 years. In 2005, the FDA approved a conjugate vaccine called Menactra for everyone between the ages of 2 and 55. It also offers protection against 4 of the 5 strains – but is believed to provide longer protection – maybe as much as 8 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one vaccination with Menactra, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, for all adolescents 11 through 18 years of age and college freshmen living in dormitories. These recommendations do not address revaccination or booster.

You may wish to speak with your health care provider find out which vaccine your child received.

Thank you for immunizing your child!