What is meningococcal vaccination? Who should get meningococcal vaccines? What are the types of meningococcal vaccines? Who might not be able to get these vaccines?

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, there are vaccines available to help protect against this infection. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the key facts about meningococcal vaccination, including the different types of vaccines, who should get them, and important considerations for those who might not be able to receive them.

Types of Meningococcal Vaccines

There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States:

1. Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines
2. Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines

Who Should Get Meningococcal Vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. Additionally, the CDC recommends that certain children and adults get meningococcal vaccines in specific situations. Let’s take a closer look at the recommendations by age group:

Preteens and Teens

All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster shot at 16 years old. Teens may also get a MenB vaccine, preferably at 16 through 18 years old. Certain preteens and teens should get the MenB vaccine if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Babies and Children

The CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for children between 2 months and 10 years old if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, have HIV, are traveling to or residing in countries where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak. The CDC also recommends MenB vaccination for children 10 years or older who have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Adults

The CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for adults if they have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, have HIV, are a microbiologist routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, are traveling to or residing in countries where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common, are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak, or are not up to date with this vaccine and are a first-year college student living in a residence hall or a military recruit. The CDC also recommends MenB vaccination for adults who have a rare type of immune disorder, are taking a complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, are a microbiologist routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, or are part of a population identified to be at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak.

Who Might Not Be Able to Get These Vaccines?

Some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them due to age or health conditions. If you or your child have had a life-threatening allergic reaction or have a severe allergy to any part of the meningococcal vaccine, you should not get another dose of that type of vaccine. Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get the MenACWY vaccine, but the safety of MenB vaccine during pregnancy is not known. Talk to your or your child’s doctor to determine the best course of action.

Booster Shots

Talk to your or your child’s doctor to find out if, and when, they will need MenACWY or MenB booster shots. The recommended timing for booster shots can vary based on age, health conditions, and other factors.

Conclusion

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, but fortunately there are vaccines available to help protect against it. By understanding the different types of meningococcal vaccines, who should get them, and important considerations for those who might not be able to receive them, you can make informed decisions about your or your child’s health and safety.

Meningococcal Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know

Key Facts

There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines used in the United States:

• Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines
• Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines

Who Should Get Meningococcal Vaccines?

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. In certain situations, CDC also recommends other children and adults get meningococcal vaccines. Below is more information about which meningococcal vaccines, including booster shots, CDC recommends for people by age.

Talk to your or your child’s doctor about what is best for your specific situation.

All 11 to 12 year olds should get a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster shot at 16 years old. Teens may also get a MenB vaccine, preferably at 16 through 18 years old.

While any teen may choose to get a MenB vaccine, certain preteens and teens should get it if they:

• Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency
• Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed
• Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

Get more information about meningococcal vaccine recommendations for teenagers: Meningococcal Vaccination for Preteens and Teens: Information for Parents. Talk to your child’s doctor to find out if, and when, they will need MenACWY or MenB booster shots.

Babies and Children

CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for children who are between 2 months and 10 years old if they:

• Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency
• Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed
• Have HIV
• Are traveling to or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common
• Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak

CDC recommends MenB vaccination for children 10 years or older if they:

• Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency
• Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed
• Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

Talk to your child’s doctor to find out if, and when, they will need MenACWY or MenB booster shots.

Adults

CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for adults if they:

• Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency
• Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed
• Have HIV
• Are a microbiologist who is routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis
• Are traveling to or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common
• Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak
• Are not up to date with this vaccine and are a first-year college student living in a residence hall
• Are a military recruit

CDC recommends MenB vaccination for adults if they:

• Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency
• Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed
• Are a microbiologist who is routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis
• Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

Talk to your doctor to find out if, and when, you will need MenACWY or MenB booster shots.

Who Might Not Be Able to Get These Vaccines?

Because of age or health conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. Read the guidelines below and ask your or your child’s doctor for more information.

Tell the person who is giving you or your child a meningococcal vaccine if:

You or your child have had a life-threatening allergic reaction or have a severe allergy.

• If you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of MenACWY or MenB vaccine, do not get another dose of that type of vaccine.
• Do not get a meningococcal vaccine if you have a severe allergy to any part of that vaccine. Your or your child’s doctor can tell you about the vaccine’s ingredients.

You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks.

You or your child are not feeling well.

• People who have a mild illness, such as a cold, can probably get these vaccines. People who have a moderate or severe illness should probably wait until they recover. Your or your child’s doctor can advise you.

What Types of Meningococcal Vaccines Are There?

There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:

• MenACWY (conjugate) vaccines (Menactra^®, Menveo^®, and MenQuadfi^®)
• MenB (recombinant protein) vaccines (Bexsero^® and Trumenba^®)

MenACWY Vaccines

• Menactra^®, Menveo^®, and MenQuadfi^®: Vaccine providers give 2 doses to preteens and teens. Vaccine providers also give it to certain people at increased risk of meningococcal disease. It helps protect against 4 types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

MenB Vaccines

• Bexsero^®: Vaccine providers give a 2-dose series to people 16 through 23 years old who are not at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Vaccine providers also give a 2-dose series to people 10 years or older at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Bexsero^® helps protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease.
• Trumenba^®: Vaccine providers give a 2-dose series to people 16 through 23 years old who are not at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Vaccine providers give a 3-dose series to people 10 years or older at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Trumenba^® helps protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease.

How Well Do These Vaccines Work?

Summary

Vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases.

As part of the licensure process, MenACWY and MenB vaccines showed that they produce an immune response. This immune response suggests the vaccines provide protection, but data are limited on how well they work. Since meningococcal disease is uncommon, many people need to get these vaccines in order to measure their effectiveness.

Available data suggest that protection from MenACWY vaccines decreases in many teens within 5 years. Getting the 16-year-old MenACWY booster dose is critical so teens have protection when they are most at risk for meningococcal disease. Available data on MenB vaccines suggest that protective antibodies also decrease quickly (within 1 to 2 years) after vaccination.

In Depth

Rates of meningococcal disease have declined in the United States since the 1990s and remain low today. Much of the decline occurred before the routine use of MenACWY vaccines. In addition, serogroup B meningococcal disease declined even though MenB vaccines were not available until the end of 2014.

CDC first recommended preteens and teens get a MenACWY vaccine in 2005. Since then, rates of meningococcal disease in teens caused by serogroups C, Y, and W have decreased by over 90% (note: serogroup A meningococcal disease continues to be very rare in the United States). Other age groups that CDC does not recommend routine MenACWY vaccination for did not see this large of a percent decline. These data suggest MenACWY vaccines have provided protection to those vaccinated, but probably not to the larger, unvaccinated community (population or herd immunity). Experts also believe MenB vaccines do not provide protection to unvaccinated people through population immunity.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Meningococcal Vaccines?

Most people who get a meningococcal vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.

Mild Problems

MenACWY Vaccines

Mild problems following MenACWY vaccination can include:

• Reactions where the shot was given
  • Redness
  • Soreness
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Feeling tired

If these problems occur, they usually last for 1 or 2 days.

MenB Vaccines

Mild problems following a MenB vaccination can include:

• Reactions where the shot was given
  • Soreness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or diarrhea

If these problems occur, they can last up to 3 to 5 days.

Problems that Could Happen After Getting Any Injected Vaccine

• People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell the provider if you or your child feel dizzy, have vision changes, or have ringing in the ears.
• As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

Where Can I Find These Vaccines?

Your doctor is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines for you or your child. These vaccines are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Therefore, vaccines for children and teens are regularly available at

• Pediatric and family practice offices
• Community health clinics
• Public health departments

If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral.

Vaccines may also be available at

• Pharmacies
• Workplaces
• Community health clinics
• Health departments
• Other community locations, such as schools and religious centers

You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.

When receiving any vaccine, ask the provider to record the vaccine in the state or local vaccine registry, if available. This helps providers at future visits know what vaccines you or your child have already received.

How Can I Get Help Paying for These Vaccines?

People can pay for meningococcal vaccines in several ways:

Private Health Insurance

Most private health insurance plans cover these vaccines. Check with your insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to you. Ask your insurance provider for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Vaccines for Children Program

Most health insurance plans cover routine vaccinations. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program also provides vaccines for children 18 years and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native.

Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccines (for Parents)

The meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal disease, which can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious infections.

Two kinds of meningococcal (meh-nin-guh-KOK-uhl) vaccines are currently given to kids in the United States:

1. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (types A, C, W, and Y). It is recommended for all kids and teens age 11 and older. Some types of MenACWY are given to younger children (as early as 8 weeks of age) if they have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease.
2. The meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) protects against a fifth type of meningococcal bacterium (called type B). It is fairly new and not yet recommended as a routine vaccination for healthy people. But some kids and teens who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease should get it starting from age 10. Others who are not at increased risk may also get it between the ages of 16 and 23 (preferably between 16 through 18 as that is when the risk of getting infected is highest). The decision to get the MenB vaccine is made by the teen, their parents, and their doctor.

When Are Meningococcal Vaccines Given?

Vaccination with MenACWY is recommended:

• when kids are 11 or 12 years old, with a booster given at age 16
• for teens 13–18 years old who haven’t been vaccinated yet

Those who have their first dose between the ages of 13–15 should get a booster dose between the ages of 16–18. Teens who get their first dose after age 16 won’t need a booster dose.

Kids and teens who are at higher risk for meningococcal disease need the full series of MenACWY vaccines, even if they’re younger than 11 years old. This includes kids who:

• live in or travel to countries where the disease is common
• are present during an outbreak of the disease
• have some kinds of immune disorders. If the immune disorders are chronic, these kids also need a booster dose a few years later, depending on their age at the first dose.

The MenACWY vaccine is also especially important for students who live in college dorms and for military recruits.

The sequence and dosage depend on the child’s age, medical condition, and vaccine brand. Some types of meningococcal vaccines can be given as early as 8 weeks of age.

Kids 10 years and older with these risk factors also should get the MenB vaccine. They’ll need 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. They might need more booster doses if the risk factor remains.

For those without risk factors, the decision to receive the MenB vaccine should be made together by teens, their parents, and the doctor. For them, the preferred age range is 16–18 years. Usually, they need 2 doses.

The MenACWY and MenB vaccines can be given at the same time, but at a different place on the body.

Why Are Meningococcal Vaccines Recommended?

Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. It can lead to an infection of the bloodstream or meningitis, or both, and can be life-threatening if not quickly treated. The MenACWY vaccine is very effective at protecting against four strains of the bacteria, while the MenB vaccine protects against a fifth strain.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Meningococcal Vaccines?

Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or tiredness. Serious problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare.

The meningococcal vaccines contain only a small piece of the germ, so it can’t cause meningococcal disease.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

The vaccine is not recommended if:

• your child is currently sick. But simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization.
• your child had a serious allergic reaction to an earlier dose of meningococcal vaccine, to the DTaP vaccine, or to latex

What Happens After the Immunization?

Your child might have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the injection area. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever and to find out the right dose.

A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your doctor if:

• You aren’t sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided.
• There are problems after the immunization.

Vaccination against meningococcal infection (Menactra) (single)

Vaccination of children and adults against meningococcal infection with Menactra® (Menactra).

Before vaccination, it is necessary to undergo a preventive examination by a doctor. Inspection is paid additionally.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Severe meningitis can cause deafness, mental disorders, paralysis, and disability. The only way to prevent severe forms of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is timely vaccination.

Menactra vaccine is designed to protect against infections caused by four groups of Neisseria meningitidis: A, C, W-135 and Y. The vaccine is non-live, consists of a solution of purified meningococcal polysaccharides coupled with diphtheria toxoid.

The vaccine is intended for infants from 9 months of age and adults up to 55 years of age.

Vaccine Efficacy

Menactra Adult and Children’s Vaccine is a safe, purified product that is developed to strict vaccine manufacturing and storage standards.

One of the main advantages of the Menactra vaccine is its comprehensive protection against several of the most common types of meningococcus at once. The ability of “Menactra” to induce the development of immunological memory after primary vaccination is confirmed by data from clinical studies in both children and adults. The formation of such an immune response significantly reduces the risk of meningococcal infection.

The effectiveness of the vaccine is determined by the presence of bactericidal antibodies. Studies have shown that more than 90% of those vaccinated form an adequate immune response against meningococcus 7-10 days after immunization. Immunity after vaccination lasts an average of 5 years.

Vaccination

Duration of vaccination depends on age:

• for children aged 9 months to 2 years, the course includes the introduction of 2 injections of 1 dose of vaccine (0.5 ml). The injection interval is at least 3 months.
• children from two years of age and adults the vaccine is administered once at a dose of 0.5 ml.

The site of administration of the vaccine is also chosen taking into account age:

• for children aged 9 to 12 months, the vaccine is administered in the anterolateral region of the thigh;
• children over 1 year old and adults – in the deltoid muscle of the shoulder.

Do not administer the vaccine subcutaneously or intravenously.

If the risk of meningococcal infection persists, a single revaccination can be carried out if at least 4 years have passed since the previous dose. In childhood and adolescence, revaccination is recommended in case of a sharp change in the team (change of educational institution, military service, living in a hostel, etc.).

Children and adults are examined by a pediatrician or general practitioner prior to vaccination to obtain approval for vaccination. This is necessary to exclude an acute illness or other contraindications. Thermometry is mandatory, as well as an objective examination of organs and systems.

Side effects

In rare cases, the vaccine may cause a number of adverse reactions. The nature and frequency of side effects identified in the studies varied depending on the age of the vaccinated.

Adverse reactions in children 9 to 18 months:

• Loss of appetite;
• Drowsiness;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Rash;
• Urticaria;
• Arthralgia;
• Soreness and induration at injection site;
• Irritability, redness at the injection site, swelling at the injection site, fever.

Adverse reactions in children aged 2 to 10 years:

• Decreased appetite;
• Drowsiness;
• Diarrhea;
• Vomiting;
• Rash, urticaria;
• Arthralgia;
• Soreness and induration at injection site;
• Irritability, redness at the injection site, swelling at the injection site, fever.

Adverse reactions in adolescents 11 to 18 years of age and adults over 18 years of age:

• Decreased appetite;
• Headache;
• Diarrhea;
• Vomiting;
• Rash;
• Arthralgia;
• Pain, induration, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, general malaise;
• Chills, fever.

Special instructions

• In persons with impaired blood coagulation, the possible risks of bleeding should be assessed when administering the vaccine.
• People diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome have an increased risk of exacerbation of the disease after the vaccine is given. The decision on the possibility of using the Menactra vaccine in this case is made by the doctor.
• The vaccine is not indicated for the prevention of meningitis caused by other bacteria and for the prevention of meningococcal disease caused by type B meningococci.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised may develop a reduced immune response after vaccine administration.

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnant and lactating women should only be vaccinated if absolutely necessary: ​​ eg during a meningococcal outbreak or before traveling to an endemic area.

Obligatory consultation of the attending physician is required for admission to vaccination.

Interactions with other vaccines

• Menactra can be administered with any other vaccines from the National Immunization Schedule, except BCG (tuberculosis vaccine).
• Children who are splenic and HIV-infected should not receive Menactra vaccine at the same time as pneumococcal vaccine. Vaccination is carried out in different months to form adequate protection.
• When two or more vaccines are administered on the same day, the drugs are injected into different parts of the body with different syringes.

Indications for examination

Prevention of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, Y and W-135 in people aged 9 months to 55 years.

In particular, the following groups are recommended to be vaccinated:

• children under 5 years old attending kindergarten;
• travelers and people who travel frequently on business trips;
• persons in contact with patients;
• people with immunodeficiency conditions;
• persons with chronic diseases of the spleen or its absence;
• medical workers and other persons who are in the focus of infection (children’s preschool institutions, barracks, hostels).

Examination preparation

No special preparation required.

Meningococcal vaccine | Vaccination | Prevention and rehabilitation

Another cause of purulent meningitis is meningococci. This is a large group of pathogens that cause more than 60% of meningitis in children and adults. They, in turn, are also divided into a number of groups – A, B, C, W135, Y, etc. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets from person to person. The range of clinical manifestations of meningococcal infection is very wide. As with hemophilic, its source is not only a patient with meningococcal meningitis, but also carriers of this microorganism (there are about 5% of them, but the carriage is mostly short-term, unlike hemophilic infection), as well as those who suffer from a mild form of infection which looks like an acute respiratory illness.

Vaccination against meningococcal infection

Vaccination is natural, because people of all ages suffer from meningococcal infection – both children and adults, but the main group is made up of babies under 1 year old, or rather, the first half of the year (3-6 months). The youngest family members often become infected from older children or adults. Epidemics (large outbreaks) of meningococcal meningitis are usually caused by group A meningococcus. Periodic rises in incidence occur every 10-12 years. In Russia, the incidence is currently sporadic (single), not epidemic, and is predominantly (almost 80%) due to group B meningococcus. According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 cases of meningococcal meningitis are recorded annually in the world. Of these, 30,000 deaths. In Russia, mortality among the adult population can reach 12%, among children – 9%. That is why vaccination is an integral part of children’s medical practice.

Meningococcus can infect various organs – throat, nose, lungs, heart, joints, and not just the membranes of the brain. There may be damage to the whole body – blood poisoning (sepsis). Meningococcal infection is characterized by high fever, severe headache, and recurrent vomiting. The main distinguishing feature is the appearance of a star-shaped type of small hemorrhagic rash (hemorrhages in the skin, small dots and “stars”; at the same time, if you stretch the skin near the rash element, the rash, unlike other, non-hemorrhagic types, will not disappear). A rash in the form of single elements begins to appear on the abdomen, buttocks, heels, legs and spreads throughout the body in a matter of hours.

Composition of vaccines

Vaccines against meningococcus subgroups A, C, W135, Y, etc. are currently produced in the world. In our country, domestic vaccines are produced MENINGOCOCC A and A + C; as well as registered foreign analogues from various manufacturers: MENINGO A+S. All of these are polysaccharide vaccines, that is, those that contain polysaccharides1 of the meningococcal cell wall, and not the entire microbe. These preparations do not contain preservatives and antibiotics.

Polysaccharides – general name for carbohydrates; are structural elements of various tissues.

Immunization schedules

Meningococcal vaccines are recommended for people in areas of infection and for routine use in children over 18 months of age, adolescents, and adults living in or traveling to areas with a high incidence of the disease. Also, vaccination against meningococcal infection is necessary (according to WHO recommendations) for mass vaccination during epidemics caused by meningococcal groups A and C.

Domestic vaccines – meningococcal A, A + C – are used from 18 months, and are also administered to adolescents and adults. These drugs can also be administered to children under 18 months of age if there is a sick person in the family, or depending on the epidemic situation in the region, but this measure does not create long-term, stable immunity, and vaccination must be repeated after 18 months.

The vaccine is administered as a single dose, subcutaneously under the shoulder blade or in the upper third of the upper arm. Babies from 1 to 8 years old – 0.25 ml of the dissolved drug, and older children and adults – 0.5 ml each.

Vaccination experience shows that the MENINGO A + C vaccine is administered to children from 2 years of age and adults at a dose of 0.5 ml once, subcutaneously under the shoulder blade or in the upper third of the shoulder. Children from 6 months you can use this vaccine if there is a sick person in the family, but the effectiveness will be less high, and repeated vaccinations will be needed. Six-month-old babies, if they are taken to a zone dangerous for meningococcal meningitis, must be vaccinated no later than two weeks before departure so that immunity can develop. Children over 6 years of age and adults can be vaccinated immediately before departure.

Babies vaccinated before 2 years of age are given a second dose after 3 months and then another vaccination is given once every 3 years.

Vaccination efficacy

Vaccination shows that in children older than 2 years, the effectiveness of vaccination reaches 85-95%, and after 3 years a single revaccination is recommended to maintain immunity. In adults, after a single immunization, protection is maintained for 10 years.

In areas where the incidence of meningococcal meningitis is episodic, there are groups of children and adults who need to be vaccinated.