Meningococcal vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
- 1765 Mal aufgerufen.
What is meningococcus?
Meningococcal disease is a Bacterium that colonizes the human nasopharynx and multiplies there. It can trigger serious illnesses and sometimes even lead to death.
Transmission occurs via droplet infection. For example, through coughing, sneezing or sharing glasses. The Incubation period is between one and ten daysbut usually less than four days. There can therefore be several days between transmission of the pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms.
It is particularly critical that Meningococcal infections progress rapidly can. The state of health can deteriorate drastically within just a few hours.
The pathogen spreads particularly easily when many people come together in a confined space, e.g. in Schools, kindergartens or at events. The disease is most common in young children in the first year of life or in adolescents.
The bacteria can be divided into about 20 groups so-called serogroups. Serogroups A, B, C, W and Y are particularly relevant for disease outbreaks. In Austria, according to Ministry of Social Affairs especially meningococci of the Group B widespread.
Why is it important for children to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease?
Vaccination against meningococcal disease is particularly important for children because it protects against serious, potentially fatal diseases. At the same time, it helps to contain the spread of this infectious disease and thus actively contributes to public health.
The childish Immune system is not yet fully mature. Accordingly, infants and young children are particularly at risk of meningococcal infection and the resulting illnesses.
The mortality rate for blood poisoning caused by meningococci is around 30 percent. And even with successful treatment, the following can occur, among other things permanent damage come:
Neurological and developmental disorders
Hearing loss
Loss of body parts
Extensive scarring
Chronic pain
Which meningococcal vaccines are available?
In Austria, two different vaccines against meningococci are mainly used: Bexsero and Trumenba. Both protect against group B meningococci, but differ in their structure and the way the immune system reacts to them:
Bexsero is mainly used for Infants and toddlers recommended.
Trumenba, on the other hand, is primarily Teenagers and young adults suitable - for example before a stay abroad or in the case of increased risk.
Depending on the vaccine, the Time of administration and the vaccination schedule. Baxsero is usually administered to infants from the age of three months, whereas Trumenba is administered from the age of 10. The number of doses and the intervals between them also differ.
The vaccine chosen for the basic immunization must also be used for further treatment. The vaccines are therefore not interchangeable.
Below we have listed how, especially in the case of small children, the Austrian vaccination plan should be vaccinated (immunization with Bexsero):
| Age at first vaccination | Basic immunization | Further vaccination against meningococcal disease |
|---|---|---|
| Infants, 2-5 months | 2 doses of 0.5 ml at intervals of 2 months | One dose at the age of 12-15 months, at least 6 months after the 2nd dose, but no later than 24 months of age |
| 6-11 months | 2 doses of 0.5 ml at intervals of 2 months | One dose in the 2nd year of life, at least 2 months after the 2nd dose |
| 12-23 months | 2 doses of 0.5 ml at intervals of 2 months | One dose min. 12-23 months after 2nd dose |
| From 2 years | 2 doses of 0.5 ml at intervals of 1 month | - |
Source: Vaccination plan Austria 2024/2025
There is currently no systematic recommendation for booster shots, except in cases of special risk (e.g. immunodeficiencies).
The Trumenba vaccine is approved from the age of 10. Two doses of 0.5 ml are recommended every 6 months.
Recommendations of the Austrian vaccination plan
The Austrian vaccination plan recommends vaccinations against various meningococcal groups. This is to prevent serious illnesses such as meningitis or sepsis. A distinction is made between Meningococcus B, meningococcus C and meningococcus A, C, W and Y differentiated.
Not all vaccinations are part of the free vaccination program, but are strongly recommended. Here are the Overview of the most important recommendations:
Group B meningococcus: Recommended as early as possible from the age of 2 months. Revaccination possible up to the age of 25. For people at risk, repeat vaccination every 5 years.
Group C meningococcusSingle vaccination recommended as early as possible in the 13th month of life. Booster vaccination up to the age of 10.
Group A, C, W and Y meningococciSingle vaccination at the age of 13 to 15 months with a conjugated quadruple vaccine (e.g. Nimenrix®, Menveo®) recommended. Follow-up vaccination up to the age of 10 if the vaccination was missed in infancy. Free of charge for all adolescents aged 10 to 13 as part of the Austrian vaccination program. Quadruple vaccination recommended between the ages of 10 and 13. Can also be used for small children, e.g. before traveling to risk areas.
Important information on side effects and tolerability
Vaccinations against meningococci are generally regarded as Well tolerated. However, as with all vaccinations, there can also be side effects. These include headaches, fever and tiredness.
The symptoms are usually harmless and subside after a few days. A special Treatment is usually not necessary. They show that the immune system is reacting to the vaccine - a sign of the desired immune response.
Important: The absence of side effects does not mean that the vaccination is not effective!
Common side effects after vaccination against meningococcal disease:
Redness, swelling or pain at the vaccination site
Headaches and aching limbs
Elevated temperature or fever
Fatigue and tiredness
Nausea and vomiting
Discomfort
Vaccination procedure against meningococcal disease in our practice
After the medical consultation, a health check and consent, the vaccination against meningococcal disease is usually given by a Injection into the upper arm or thigh. As a rule, this is an active immunization.
Active immunizationKilled or weakened bacteria are administered so that the body produces antibodies and the immune system can fight the bacteria more quickly as soon as it comes into contact with it again.
After the vaccination, the person treated should have about 15 to 30 minutes for observation remain in the practice to observe possible immediate reactions. After the vaccination has been entered in the vaccination record, a Date for the next dose or booster.
Frequently asked questions and answers
When is a meningococcal vaccination advisable?
Vaccination against meningococcal disease is advisable for Infants, children, adolescents and people at increased riskfor example in the case of immunodeficiency or close contact with sick people. It is also recommended before traveling to risk areas.