VACCINATIONS
Meningococci are rare bacteria, but when they occur, they can become severe within a matter of hours.
The four serogroups that most commonly cause severe invasive meningococcal disease worldwide are A, C, W, and Y.
Meningococci are spread through coughing or sneezing and through close, direct contact.
If someone becomes infected, it can lead to inflammation of the meninges or bacterial blood poisoning.
A complication of blood poisoning caused by meningococci is septic shock, also known as the Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome, which can be deadly for one-third of those affected.
For many years, vaccination against meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) was recommended at 12 months of age. This strategy contributed significantly to the strong decline of MenC disease in Germany.
In recent years, however, the situation has shifted: serogroup Y has increased, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
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What does STIKO recommend now? (as of October 30, 2025)
No routine MenC vaccination at 12 months anymore. (Exception: children with medical risk factors, e.g., specific immune deficiencies or particular exposure risks → here vaccination based on indication continues.)
All children and adolescents aged 12–14 years should receive a MenACWY vaccination as a standard recommendation.
If this vaccination was missed in this time window, it can be caught up until age 25.
Possible vaccination reactions and side effects include:
Temporary reddening or swelling at the injection site, which may also be painful or hardened.
General symptoms such as fever, headache, feeling unwell, irritability, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting or diarrhea, tiredness, and muscle or joint pain may also occur in the first few days after vaccination.
Rarely, other symptoms may occur after vaccination, such as temporary facial swelling or hives, up to allergic shock or chills, muscle and joint stiffness.
Convulsions, dizziness, fainting, or visual disturbances have also been observed very rarely.
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What does this mean for you as a parent?
Ideally, the MenACWY vaccination should be given during the J1 adolescent health check.
But it can also be done at any other time in this age period.
It also combines very well with other recommended vaccinations at this age, such as:
HPV
Tdap–IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio booster).
If you have any concerns about your child's reaction to the vaccine, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
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