The meningitis vaccination strategy includes vaccines against which organisms?

• A. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b
• B. Only Streptococcus pneumoniae
• C. Only Neisseria meningitidis
• D. Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer: (D)

The vaccines for meningitis target the three bacteria most commonly responsible for bacterial meningitis: Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are Hib vaccines given in infancy, meningococcal vaccines covering several serogroups, and pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) that protect against S. pneumoniae serotypes linked to meningitis. By protecting against Hib, meningococcus, and pneumococcus, immunization provides broad protection against the major bacterial causes of meningitis. Note that viral meningitis isn’t addressed by these vaccines.