Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the lining around the brain and spinal column. The disease affects as many as 2,600 Americans annually causing death or serious complications including amputations and brain seizures in those who survive.

Children, and adolescents through 18 years of age, college freshmen living in dorms, anyone traveling to or living in parts of the world where meningococcal disease is commom, such as parts of Africa. Also, anyone who has a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed.

There are two vaccines:
Menactra is the preferred vaccine for people ages 2 through 55 years of age.
Menomune is the other vaccine which may be used if Menactra is not available. It is the only meningitis vaccine licensed for people older than age 55.

One dose of the meningitis vaccine is not sufficient for long-term immunity.
As of January 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following booster schedule:

The disease affects as many as 2,600 Americans annually causing death or serious complications including amputations and brain seizures in those who survive.Approximately 1 out of 10 people who get the disease die from it and many others are affected for life. This is why "preventing" the disease through vaccination is important for people at highest risk.