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Meningitis

CVS Pharmacy

Schedule a vaccination

MinuteClinic®

Schedule a visit

Most insurance accepted

Select markets only*

How are CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® different?

At CVS Pharmacy, vaccinations for adolescents through seniors are administered by a certified immunizing pharmacist. Age and state restrictions apply.* No appointment necessary.

At MinuteClinic, vaccinations for children (18 months and older in most states) through seniors are administered by a medical provider. View wait times and schedule a visit online, or walk in anytime.

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are also at Target Target logo

The early signs of meningitis can resemble the flu. That's why prevention is critical.

Meningitis

Availability: CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic®*

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. While most people with bacterial meningitis recover, it can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities.1

A vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against certain types of meningitis.

What about the vaccine?

  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
  • Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4)

Both vaccines can prevent four types of meningococcal disease.

Learn more about protection.

What does, "Most insurance accepted," mean?

It means we accept over 5,000 health plans for vaccinations. Your out‐of‐pocket cost, if any, will depend on your specific insurance plan.

Who should get vaccinated?

Recommendations for who should get vaccinated can be found here.

Who should NOT get vaccinated or should wait?

  • Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MCV4 or MPSV4 vaccine or diphtheria vaccine
  • Anyone who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component
  • Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine
  • For more information on additional warnings and precautions visit
    https://www.CDC.gov/Vaccines/VPD/Mening/Public/Index.html

How long does the meningitis vaccine last?

Available data suggests that protection from meningococcal conjugate decreases in many teens within five years. Getting a booster, as determined by your health care provider, may be critical in maintaining protection when most at risk for meningococcal disease.

Some adolescents and young adults (16 through 23 years old) may also receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for receipt is 16 through 18 years so adolescents have protection during the ages of increased risk.2

Meningitis vaccine side effects

The most common side effects are mild and include redness or pain at the site of the vaccination, both of which usually resolve within one or two days. A small percentage may develop a mild fever. Serious reactions are rare.

Like to learn more?

See All Vaccinations

Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines External site

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  1. Bacterial Meningitis. Last updated: July 15, 2021. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html. Accessed September 16, 2021.
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html

*for vaccination availability: Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. See Immunization Scheduler for details.

*for in select markets only: In select states. Visit MinuteClinic.com for details.


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