Search thousands of topics on CostHelper
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Vaccinations > Meningitis Vaccine

Meningitis Vaccine Cost

How Much Does Meningitis Vaccine Cost?
 
low costWith Insurance: $10-$40average costWithout Insurance: $100-$150

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

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.
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.
 
post Post   Comments (9)  
CostHelper News


7 Tricks To Make Home Appliances Last Longer
Give your household equipment a little workout now and then, to make sure anything mechanical will perform well when needed. Periodic exercise can extend the usable life of many items. || Posted October 14 2013

5 Important Things to Know Before a Tornado Hits
This week the Midwest has been battered by tornados, which are one of the most violent and destructive type of storms nature has in its arsenal. || Posted November 19 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Mengingococcol vacine
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Lindenhurst, NY.Posted: October 3rd, 2016 10:10AM
Medical Facility/Clinic: PCOLIInsurance: 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
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Meningitis vaccine
Amount: $21.00
Posted by: Ce'Ara Busch in Alvin, TX.Posted: February 1st, 2016 11:02AM
Medical Facility/Clinic: Stephen F Austin Community Health ClinicInsurance: 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
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Mengingococcol vacine
Amount: $145.00
Posted by: Elijah T. in Warrensburg, MO.Posted: May 6th, 2015 03:05PM
Medical Facility/Clinic: UCM Health CenterInsurance: 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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Mengingococcol Vaccine
Amount: $254.00
Posted by: siskiwitmama in Ashland, WI.Posted: October 8th, 2014 02:10PM
Medical Facility/Clinic: Essentia Ashland ClinicInsurance: 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?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
mengingococcol vacine
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: rush mom in dallas, TX.Posted: August 21st, 2014 08:08AM
Medical Facility/Clinic: cvsInsurance: non
This was the cheapest i could find and school start in 4 days
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
MENINGITIS VACCINE
Amount: $135.00
Posted by: K WISE in EL DORADO, AR.Posted: August 21st, 2014 01:08AM
Medical Facility/Clinic: WALGREENInsurance: NONE
FELT LIKE MY POCKET BOOK WAS RAPED. NOW WONDERING IF THIS WAS WHY LOCAL HEALTH UNIT OUT OF VACCINE.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Menactra vaccine
Amount: $126.00
Posted by: Karaspof in Coon Rapids, MN.Posted: August 18th, 2014 05:08PM
Medical Facility/Clinic: Costco pharmacyInsurance:
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Meningococcal Vaccine Costs $$$$
Amount: $299.00
Posted by: John E in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: November 24th, 2013 06:11PM
Medical Facility/Clinic: Aurora Health CareInsurance: 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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Mengingococcol vacine
Amount: $206.00
Posted by: Courtney Perkinson in Petersbrg, VA.Posted: August 18th, 2013 09:08PM
Medical Facility/Clinic: Southside PediatricInsurance: Anthen
Why so much money for this shot? $206.00???
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 
Comment On Your Experience With Meningitis Vaccine
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Medical Facility/Clinic: Insurance: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


External Resources:
  1.  www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/price-lists
  2.  www.studenthealth.ku.edu/medical_topics/meningitis/meningitis_faqs.shtml
  3.  www.nmaus.org/programs/feedback/
  4.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0356.html
  5.  tulane.edu/health/
  6.  www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-mening.pdf
  7.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
  8.  www.minuteclinic.com/
  9.  wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic
  10.  wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-trav...
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Does a Mammogram Cost? How Much Does Chemotherapy Cost? How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles
Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning?
Parks are opening and offering reservations. We cover camping gear.
The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning.
A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months.
Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
Entertainer
Paid: 250.00
I charge $150.00 for the first hour. It's 100.00 each additional hour. It really depends on cost of living, the skill level of the artist, and how much tax the balloon artist has to pay... [more]
-AnthonyStone
Balloon Twisting Cost
Yeast infection
Paid: 160.00
My 4 month old puppy had brown discharge and an odor coming from her ears. She was constantly scratching. Took her to her vet and explained; I know she has an infection in her ear... [more]
-Pokémon trainer
Pet Ear Infection Treatment Cost
Retainer
Paid: 20.00
I bought the warranty with my Invisalign through my orthodontist (do this... [more]
-Braeden
Retainers Cost
Only paid remaining deductible
Paid: 6500.00
My BCBS plan covered 100% of cost after deductible. My deductible was $8500 but I had already paid $2500 of that for previous medical procedures... [more]
-Predatorhousepet
Prosthetic Leg Cost
Rewire whole house with all included
Paid: 32909.00
Easy estimate for all of you, is stablish a category of houses. Cat 1: open wall, $13 per sqft Cat 2 Close walls, $16 per sqft and for cat 3, 2 story house, depending of age $18-$25 per sqft. Make your calculations... [more]
-JG Electric
Rewiring a House Cost
Cost of care
Paid: 0.00
Wow, some of these previous comments seriously concern me. We have a dentist carrying on about how much it cost for his entire education and the cost of building and supplying an entire office... [more]
-Jason B
Dental Implants Cost