Although anyone can get meningococcal meningitis, infants and teens/college students are at the ages of highest risk.

Infants often can't fight back effectively because their immune systems have not fully developed. That's why this age group is at the highest risk of getting meningitis.

In parts of Europe (including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain), there is a vaccine that can help protect infants from the dangerous C strain of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria—which causes meningococcal meningitis. And it has been used successfully since 1999.

Unfortunately, in the United States there is currently no vaccine available that protects infants younger than 2 years from the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. But that may soon change, as new vaccines are on the horizon.

Probably because of their high level of contact with others, teens are at an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. After all, many teens go to crowded events, play on sports teams, and share all kinds of items. For example, if a teen who is a carrier of Neisseria meningitidis coughs or sneezes on someone—or shares a glass—the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis can travel from that teen to another person. Many teens smoke cigarettes, which is also a risk factor.

Living in small, crowded spaces puts students at greater risk for meningococcal meningitis. These environments seem to increase the chances of exposure to meningococcal bacteria, possibly because students are more likely to share items, kiss, smoke cigarettes, and engage in other activities that can increase their risk.