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 |  | With Insurance: $10-$40 |  | Without Insurance: $100-$150 |
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A meningococcal meningitis vaccination, which protects against two of the types of meningitis-causing bacteria that are most common in the United States, is recommended for students who have not been vaccinated and are entering college, for other adults -- such as members of the military -- who will be living in close quarters with many others, and for travelers to sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season. The vaccine helps prevent meningococcal meningitis, which can cause neurological damage or death.
Typical costs: |
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a meningococcal meningitis vaccine typically costs $100 to $150 for the single required shot. For example, at CVS Pharmacy's Minute Clinics[1] , a meningitis shot costs $159-205 depending on which shot is given. And at the University of Kansas student health clinic[2] , it costs $101 for students and $140 for non-students.
- The meningitis vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans, according to the National Meningitis Association[3] . For example, Aetna[4] considers the meningococcal vaccine medically necessary for patients through age 18, as well as some others at risk, including patients with HIV and travelers to certain areas.
- For patients covered by health insurance, the typical cost for a meningitis vaccination consists of a doctor visit copay and possibly a copay for the vaccination. For example, this Tulane University[5] health plan has a $15 copay.
Related articles: Travel Vaccinations
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What should be included: |
- After determining that you need the meningitis vaccination, the health professional will administer a single shot.
- A meningitis vaccination does not protect against all types of meningococcal disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a fact sheet[6] on meningitis and vaccination.
Additional costs: |
- A booster shot is required every three to 10 years, depending which type of meningococcal vaccination you receive.
Discounts: |
- Some public clinics or county health departments offer free or low-cost shots. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[7] offers a public clinic locator by zip code.
Shopping for meningitis vaccine: |
- There are two types of meningococcal meningitis vaccine available. Menactra is recommended by the CDC because it lasts for 10 years; if it is not available, Menomune, which lasts for three years, can substitute.
- You can visit your doctor for a meningitis vaccination. Or, drug stores, such as some Walgreens locations and some CVS[8] locations have clinics that offer the vaccination. College students who did not get vaccinated before arriving at college can get vaccinated through their student health centers. And many travel clinics offer the vaccination as well; the CDC offers a travel clinic locator[9] .
- The CDC also offers information about meningitis vaccination[10] for travelers.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: [email protected] in Lindenhurst, NY. | Posted: October 3rd, 2016 10:10AM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: PCOLI | Insurance: None |
They said that the vaccine from Menactra Vaccine costs about $120 and the manufacturer sells in packs of 5 only. If they don't get enough people taking the vaccine they will lose money |
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| Posted by: Ce'Ara Busch in Alvin, TX. | Posted: February 1st, 2016 11:02AM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: Stephen F Austin Community Health Clinic | Insurance: No |
This was by far the best price I was given on this vaccine. I would definitely check with your local community health clinic before going to Walgreens, CVS, or Wal-Mart |
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| Posted by: Elijah T. in Warrensburg, MO. | Posted: May 6th, 2015 03:05PM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: UCM Health Center | Insurance: None |
2015, not 2014.
I got it because of a recent state law requirement for students living on campus.
The shot was quick and stung a bit. The pain increased for atmost 6 seconds before going away.
I felt weird for the rest of the day and lost motivation to continue studying. Definitely don't take during finals week. |
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| Posted by: siskiwitmama in Ashland, WI. | Posted: October 8th, 2014 02:10PM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: Essentia Ashland Clinic | Insurance: Aetna |
We are only covered for a max of $150.00 per visit. So, if you need any shots, this will exceed the amount. We had to pay out of pocket for all shots, this was the most expensive. I read this should only cost around $40.00. Who sets the prices? The clinic? THe insurance company? |
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| Posted by: rush mom in dallas, TX. | Posted: August 21st, 2014 08:08AM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: cvs | Insurance: non |
This was the cheapest i could find and school start in 4 days |
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| Posted by: K WISE in EL DORADO, AR. | Posted: August 21st, 2014 01:08AM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: WALGREEN | Insurance: NONE |
FELT LIKE MY POCKET BOOK WAS RAPED. NOW WONDERING IF THIS WAS WHY LOCAL HEALTH UNIT OUT OF VACCINE. |
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| Posted by: Karaspof in Coon Rapids, MN. | Posted: August 18th, 2014 05:08PM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: Costco pharmacy | Insurance: |
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| Posted by: John E in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: November 24th, 2013 06:11PM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: Aurora Health Care | Insurance: No |
Whatever you do, don't go to Aurora Health Care and get a Meningitis Vaccine without health insurance. I neglected to ask what the cost would be when I was told our son needed it and found out when the bill came that it was $254.00 for the vaccine and an additional $45.00 for "Immunization Administration". A total of $299.00 for what should have cost no more than $100 to $150. |
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| Posted by: Courtney Perkinson in Petersbrg, VA. | Posted: August 18th, 2013 09:08PM |
| Medical Facility/Clinic: Southside Pediatric | Insurance: Anthen |
Why so much money for this shot? $206.00??? |
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External Resources: |
- www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/price-lists
- www.studenthealth.ku.edu/medical_topics/meningitis/meningitis_faqs.shtml
- www.nmaus.org/programs/feedback/
- www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0356.html
- tulane.edu/health/
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-mening.pdf
- findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
- www.minuteclinic.com/
- wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic
- wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-trav...
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