Meningococcal Vaccine: Who Needs to be Vaccinated?

here are two meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:

• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4)
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)

Courtesy: http://mommy-mall.com/health-and-nutrition/the-meningococcal-vaccine

In adolescents, those ages 16 through 21 years have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.

All 11-12 years olds should be vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). 

Now, a booster dose should be given at age 16 years. 

For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, a one-time booster dose should be administered, preferably at age 16 through 18 years, before the peak in increased risk. 

Adolescents who receive their first dose of MCV4 at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.

When MCV4 was first recommended for adolescents in 2005, the expectation was that protection would last for 10 years; however, currently available data suggest it wanes in most adolescents within 5 years. Based on that information, a single dose at the recommended age of 11 or 12 years may not offer protection through the adolescent years at which risk for meningococcal infection is highest (16 though 21 years of age). 

Meningococcal vaccination is required to attend many colleges. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) suggests that your child receive the vaccine less than 5 years before starting school.

Adolescents age 16 through 18 years can get the booster dose at any time. The minimum interval between doses is 8 weeks.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for certain high risk children from ages 9 months through 10 years.

We will talk about that age group tomorrow....