How often should you receive the meningitis vaccine. What are the CDC recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in adolescents. Who is at increased risk for meningococcal disease and requires additional doses. What are the special considerations for meningococcal vaccination in certain populations.

Understanding Meningococcal Disease and Vaccination

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing this potentially life-threatening illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines for meningococcal vaccination to ensure optimal protection across various age groups and risk categories.

Types of Meningococcal Vaccines

There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines:

• MenACWY: Protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y
• MenB: Protects against serogroup B

Understanding the differences between these vaccines is essential for following the appropriate vaccination schedule.

Routine MenACWY Vaccination for Adolescents

The CDC recommends a routine vaccination schedule for adolescents to provide protection during the years when they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.

Primary Vaccination

When should adolescents receive their first MenACWY dose. The CDC recommends that all 11 to 12-year-olds receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) as part of their routine immunization schedule.

Booster Dose

Is a booster dose necessary for MenACWY. Yes, the CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years to provide continued protection during the period of increased risk. This is because the effectiveness of the vaccine wanes over time.

For adolescents who receive their first dose between 13 and 15 years of age, the booster should be administered between 16 and 18 years old, before the period of increased risk.

Are there exceptions to the booster dose requirement. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY vaccine at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose, as they are considered to have adequate protection through the high-risk period.

MenB Vaccination for Adolescents and Young Adults

In addition to MenACWY, the CDC provides recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal vaccination.

General Recommendations

Can all adolescents and young adults receive the MenB vaccine. The CDC states that adolescents and young adults aged 16 through 23 years may receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for vaccination is 16 through 18 years to provide protection during the period of increased risk.

High-Risk Groups

Are there specific groups that should definitely receive the MenB vaccine. Yes, the CDC recommends that certain adolescents and young adults should receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. These include:

• Those at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak
• People with certain medical conditions, such as complement component deficiencies or anatomic asplenia
• Individuals taking specific medications, like complement inhibitors (e.g., Soliris® or Ultomiris®)

Booster Doses for High-Risk Individuals

Do high-risk individuals need regular booster doses of MenB. Yes, those at increased risk should receive booster doses according to the following schedule:

• A booster dose 1 year after completing the initial series
• Subsequent booster doses every 2 to 3 years thereafter

For individuals at increased risk due to an outbreak who have previously received the MenB vaccine series, a booster dose is recommended if a year or more has passed since completion of the primary series.

MenACWY Vaccination for High-Risk Children and Adults

While routine vaccination focuses on adolescents, certain circumstances require MenACWY vaccination for younger children and adults.

Identifying High-Risk Groups

Who is considered at increased risk for meningococcal disease. The CDC identifies several groups that are at higher risk:

1. Individuals with certain medical conditions:
   • Complement component deficiencies
   • Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
   • HIV
2. People taking specific medications:
   • Complement inhibitors (e.g., Soliris® or Ultomiris®)
3. Travelers to or residents of countries where meningococcal disease is common
4. Individuals in specific professions or settings:
   • Microbiologists routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis
   • Military recruits
   • First-year college students living in residence halls who are not up to date with the vaccine
5. People in communities experiencing a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak

Vaccination Schedule for High-Risk Groups

How should high-risk individuals be vaccinated with MenACWY. The CDC recommends the following schedule:

• For children under 7 years old: Administer a booster dose 3 years after completing the primary series, then every 5 years thereafter
• For individuals 7 years and older: Administer a booster dose 5 years after completing the primary series, then every 5 years thereafter

Special Considerations for Menactra® Vaccine

Are there specific guidelines for using Menactra® in certain populations. Yes, the CDC provides special considerations for the use of Menactra® in individuals with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV:

Age Restrictions

Children with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV should not receive Menactra® before the age of 2 years. This is to avoid interference with the immune response to the infant series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

Alternative Recommendations

What alternatives are recommended for infants with these conditions. For infants aged 2 through 23 months with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV, the CDC recommends using Menveo® instead of Menactra®.

Timing Considerations

How should Menactra® be administered in relation to PCV for older individuals. For people 2 years of age or older with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV:

• They should not receive Menactra® at the same time as PCV
• Options include:
  • Receiving Menveo® or MenQuadfi® when getting PCV
  • Waiting and receiving Menactra® 4 weeks after completing all PCV doses

Meningococcal Vaccination for Travelers

Travel to certain regions can increase the risk of exposure to meningococcal disease. Understanding the vaccination requirements for travelers is crucial for prevention.

High-Risk Destinations

Which travelers should consider meningococcal vaccination. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for individuals traveling to or residing in countries where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common. This includes parts of sub-Saharan Africa known as the “meningitis belt.”

Vaccination Timing

When should travelers get vaccinated. Ideally, travelers should receive the appropriate meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure to ensure adequate immune response.

Vaccine Selection

Which vaccine should travelers receive. The specific vaccine recommendation may vary based on the destination and individual risk factors. Travelers should consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to determine the most appropriate vaccine for their trip.

Meningococcal Vaccination in Outbreak Situations

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease can occur in various settings, requiring specific vaccination strategies to control the spread of infection.

Identifying Outbreaks

How are meningococcal disease outbreaks identified. Public health authorities monitor for clusters of cases that exceed the expected number in a given population or area. When an outbreak is identified, rapid response and vaccination efforts are crucial.

Vaccination Response

What is the vaccination strategy during an outbreak. The CDC recommends targeted vaccination of individuals at increased risk due to the outbreak. This may include:

• People in the affected community or institution
• Age groups most affected by the outbreak
• Individuals with specific risk factors related to the outbreak strain

Booster Doses in Outbreak Situations

Are booster doses recommended during outbreaks. Yes, the CDC recommends a booster dose for those at increased risk due to an outbreak if 5 or more years have passed since receiving MenACWY. For MenB outbreaks, a booster dose is recommended if a year or more has passed since completing the primary series.

By following these comprehensive guidelines for meningococcal vaccination, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting this serious disease. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of meningococcal vaccination and ensuring that recommended schedules are followed. As research continues and new data emerges, these recommendations may be updated to provide the most effective protection against meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations | CDC

Below are summaries of recommendations from CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). For the full text of the recommendations, see Meningococcal ACIP Vaccine Recommendations.

Routine MenACWY Vaccination of Adolescents

All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Since protection wanes, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years. The booster dose provides protection during the ages when adolescents are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.

• For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, administer a booster dose at age 16 through 18 years, before the period of increased risk.
• Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY vaccine at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
• Adolescents who are at increased risk due to medical conditions need a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY vaccine administered 8 weeks apart, as well as regular booster doses every 5 years.
• CDC also recommends a booster dose for those at increased risk due to an outbreak if 5 or more years have passed since receiving MenACWY.

MenB Vaccination of Adolescents

Adolescents and young adults (16 through 23 years old) may also receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for receipt is 16 through 18 years so adolescents have protection during the ages of increased risk.

Patients taking complement inhibitors, such as eculizumab (Soliris^®) or ravulizumab (Ultomiris^®), are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. These patients may still contract meningococcal disease despite being fully vaccinated or receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Learn more about managing patients who receive complement inhibitors.

CDC recommends that certain adolescents and young adults should receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.  They include those at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak and people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. These include

• Complement component deficiency (e.g., C5-C9, properdin, factor H, factor D)
• Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
• Complement inhibitor (e.g., Soliris® or Ultomiris®)

Those at increased risk need regular booster doses.

• Administer a booster dose of MenB vaccine 1 year after series completion and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter.
• For those at increased risk due to an outbreak who previously received the MenB vaccine series, CDC recommends a booster dose if a year or more has passed since primary series completion.

See Meningococcal Vaccination for Adolescents: Information for Healthcare Professionals for additional information.

MenACWY Vaccination of Younger Children and Adults at Increased Risk

In certain situations, younger children (down to 2 months old) and adults should receive MenACWY vaccines. Some people are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease due to

• Having certain medical conditions
  • Complement component deficiency (e. g., C5-C9, properdin, factor H, factor D)
  • Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
  • HIV
• Taking specific medications
  • Complement inhibitor (e.g., Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Traveling or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common
• Working in specific professions or living in specific settings
  • Microbiologist who is routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis (the causal pathogen)
  • Military recruit
  • First-year college student living in a residence hall and are not up to date with this vaccine
• Being a part of a community experiencing a serogroup A, C, W or Y meningococcal disease outbreak

Those who remain at increased risk need regular booster doses.

• For children under the age of 7 years, administer a booster dose 3 years after completion of the primary series and every 5 years thereafter.
• For children 7 years old or older and adults, administer a booster dose 5 years after completion of the primary series and every 5 years thereafter.

Special considerations for use of Menactra® for people with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV

Children with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV should not receive Menactra^® before the age of 2 years. This timing avoids interference with the immunologic response to the infant series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). CDC recommends infants 2 through 23 months of age with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV receive Menveo^®.

People 2 years of age or older with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV should not receive Menactra^® at the same time as PCV. They should either receive Menveo^® or MenQuadfi^® when they get PCV or wait and receive Menactra^® 4 weeks after completion of all PCV doses.

Special considerations for concomitant use of Menactra

^® and DTaP

Children can receive Menactra^® before or concomitantly with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines. This timing avoids interference with the immunologic response to the meningococcal vaccine antigens that occurs when administering Menactra^® after DTaP. Alternatively, children can receive Menveo^® or MenQuadfi^®, regardless of timing of DTaP vaccination.

MenB Vaccination of Adults at Increased Risk

MenB vaccines are not approved for use in people under 10 years old. Adults should receive a MenB vaccine if they are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease due to

• Having certain medical conditions
  • Complement component deficiency (e.g., C5-C9, properdin, factor H, factor D)
  • Functional or anatomic asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
• Taking specific medications
  • Complement inhibitor (e.g., Soliris^® or Ultomiris^®)
• Working in specific professions or settings
  • Microbiologist who is routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis (the causal pathogen)
• Being a part of a community experiencing a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

Those who remain at increased risk need regular booster doses.

• Administer a booster dose of MenB vaccine 1 year after series completion and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter.
• For those at increased risk due to an outbreak who previously received the MenB vaccine series, CDC recommends a booster dose if a year or more has passed since primary series completion.

Contraindications and Precautions

Do not administer meningococcal vaccines to:

• A person who has ever had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose
• A person who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component

If otherwise indicated, vaccine providers may administer meningococcal vaccines to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• MenACWY: Give to pregnant women at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease
• MenB: Give to pregnant women at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease if the provider and patient deem that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks

Vaccine providers may administer meningococcal vaccines, if the provider and parent or patient deems the benefits to outweigh the risks, to:

• A person who has a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever

Meningococcal Vaccine Administration | CDC

This page provides a brief summary of guidance for administering meningococcal vaccines, including route, number of doses, and co-administration with other vaccines.

Visual Inspection

Do not use any meningococcal vaccine or diluent (if applicable) beyond the expiration date printed on the label.

Prior to administration, visually inspect the vaccine for particulate matter and/or discoloration. If these conditions exist, do NOT use.

Route, Site, and Needle Size

Administer meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines by the intramuscular route. The preferred site for infants and young children is the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh. The preferred injection site in older children and adults is the deltoid muscle. Use a needle length appropriate for the age and size of the person receiving the vaccine.

Number and Timing of Doses

MenACWY Vaccines

Administer MenACWY vaccines (Menactra^®, Menveo^® [either one- or two-vial presentation], or MenQuadfi^®) to adolescents as 1 primary dose at 11 to 12 years of age. Administer 1 booster dose at 16 years of age. The minimum interval between doses is at least 8 weeks.

Patients 2 years of age or older should receive a 2-dose primary series (Menactra^®, Menveo^® [two-vial presentation only], or MenQuadfi^®) 2 months apart if they have

• Complement component deficiencies
• Complement inhibitor use (including Soliris® or Ultomiris®)
• Functional or anatomic asplenia
• HIV

The number of doses and schedule for patients under 2 years of age varies by vaccine product. See package inserts for specific guidance.

For patients at prolonged increased risk for meningococcal disease, CDC recommends MenACWY booster doses after completion of the primary series. For patients who received their most recent dose before age 7 years, administer the booster dose 3 years later. For patients who received their most recent dose at age 7 years or older, administer the booster dose 5 years later. Administer boosters every 5 years thereafter throughout life as long as the person remains at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

MenB Vaccines

Both MenB vaccine products require more than 1 dose for maximum protection. Patients must receive the same vaccine product for all doses.

• Bexsero:^® Administer 2 doses. Administer the second dose at least 1 month after the first dose.
• Trumenba:^® Administer 2 or 3 doses.
  • Administer 2 doses to healthy adolescents who are not at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. Administer the second dose 6 months after the first dose.
  • Administer 3 doses to people 10 years of age or older who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. This includes during outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Administer the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. Administer the third dose 6 months after the first dose.

For patients at prolonged increased risk for meningococcal disease, CDC recommends MenB booster doses after completion of the primary series. Administer a booster dose of MenB vaccine 1 year after series completion and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter.

Predrawing Vaccine Doses

Do not predraw vaccine doses. There are no data on the stability of vaccines stored in syringes filled by healthcare professionals. Do not open vaccine vials until time of administration.

After reconstitution, administer Menveo^® two-vial presentation within 8 hours or discard.

Administration with Other Vaccines

Vaccine providers may administer MenACWY and MenB vaccines during the same visit, but at a different injection site, if feasible. Providers can also administer meningococcal and other vaccines during the same visit, but at a different injection site, if feasible. Administer each vaccine with a separate syringe.

MenACWY Vaccines

• Vaccine providers can administer MenACWY with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and MenB vaccines.
• Healthy children 9 through 23 months of age can receive Menactra^® with other vaccines. However, children with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV should NOT receive Menactra^® before the age of 2 years. This timing avoids interference with the immunologic response to the infant series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). CDC recommends infants 2 through 23 months of age with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV receive Menveo^® two-vial presentation. If Menactra^® is  used in individuals aged 2 years or older who have functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV, it should not be administered until at least 4 weeks after completion of all PCV doses.
• Children can receive Menactra^® before or concomitantly with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines. This timing avoids interference with the immunologic response to the meningococcal vaccine antigens that occurs when administering Menactra^® after DTaP. Alternatively, children can receive Menveo^® two-vial presentation or MenQuadfi^®, regardless of timing of DTaP vaccination.

MenB Vaccines

• On the basis of available data and expert opinion, Bexsero^® or Trumenba^® may be administered with Tdap, HPV, and MenACWY vaccines. If received during the same visit, vaccine providers should administer the vaccines at a different injection site, if feasible.

Meningitis vaccine: when to give children, reviews

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The meningitis vaccine can save a person from this serious and dangerous disease. Meningitis was considered an incurable pathology 50 years ago. Today, forecasts depend on the timeliness of the patient’s request for professional medical help, as well as on the qualifications of the doctors themselves. Leading neurologists and infectious disease specialists in Russia are treating meningitis at the Yusupov Hospital. In the hospital, at any convenient time, you can consult with doctors about all the pros and cons of vaccination.

The meningitis vaccine is actually able to protect the human body from a dangerous, fast-acting inflammatory disease that also entails serious complications. In the absence of adequate therapy, meningitis can take the life of a patient within a day.

The main task of vaccinations against meningitis is to develop a protective mechanism against pathogens – meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. In many developed countries, such as Great Britain, France, Germany, the USA, etc., meningitis vaccinations are included in the national vaccination calendar.

April 24th, World Meningitis Day, has been declared to draw people’s attention to the dangers of meningitis, and to raise people’s awareness about the course of meningitis, its symptoms, ways of infection, treatment and prevention.

Meningococcal meningitis vaccine for adults and children

Statistics suggest that meningococcal disease affects 1.2 million people each year and is the leading cause of purulent meningitis. In our state, routine immunization against meningococcal infection is not provided. Vaccination is indicated only in cases of the presence of an epidemic factor.

Meningococcal disease usually affects children under 5 years of age.

Vaccination against meningitis is carried out using the following sera:

• meningococcal vaccine (Russia): it is used to develop immunity to meningococci belonging to serogroups A and C. Such a vaccine is not able to protect the human body from purulent meningitis. The drug can be used after the child reaches 18 months. Re-vaccination is carried out after three years;
• Meningo A+C vaccine (France): develops immunity in children to cerebrospinal meningitis, which is provoked by meningococci belonging to serogroups A and C;
• Mencevax vaccine (UK/Belgium). Promotes the formation of specific bactericidal antibodies that affect meningococci of serogroups A, C, W, Y. The drug is recommended for adults. Children can be vaccinated after they reach 2 years of age;
• Menactra vaccine (USA). The drug contributes to the creation of antibodies to pathogens of meningitis belonging to groups A, C, Y and W-135. This vaccine is indicated for children over two years of age and adults under the age of 55.

Meningococcal vaccines are available as a dry substance that must be reconstituted with the supplied solution. The vaccine is administered both subcutaneously and intramuscularly. Vaccines do not contain live microorganisms, which once again proves the safety of drugs.

When are pneumococcal meningitis vaccinations given in adults and children? Since the beginning of the year on the territory of the Russian Federation, such immunization has been included in the national vaccination calendar. Vaccination allows the body to receive the antigen in a safe minimum amount, which excludes the possibility of a full-fledged disease in the future.

In our country, vaccination is carried out using two types of serum: Pneumo-23 and Prevenar. Both of these drugs are characterized by the absence of side effects and high efficiency. Prevenar vaccine can be given to children who are three months old. Pneumo-23 is administered to babies older than 2 years of age.

Vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae can not only provoke the development of meningitis, but can also lead to otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases. The following preparations are used for vaccination:

• act-HIB;
• pentaxim;
• hiberix;
• infanrix hexa.

Regardless of the name of the serum, it can only be used in consultation with a doctor.

Reaction to vaccination against meningitis in children

In children, reactions to vaccination against meningitis can be:

Adverse reactions should resolve within two days, induration in the injection area completely disappears after 14 days. If the symptoms do not disappear, you should immediately seek medical help.

You can get a consultation and make an appointment with a neurologist by calling the Yusupov Hospital.

Meningococcal infection. existing vaccines. Vaccines and schemes of administration. Vaccination Specialists

Meningococcal infection. existing vaccines. Vaccines and schemes of administration. Vaccine Specialists

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Vaccines and Administration Schedules Existing Vaccines

9000 5 Vaccination is carried out once, the effectiveness is about 90%, immunity is formed on average within 5 days and lasts 3-5 years for polysaccharide and 10 years for conjugate vaccines.

Immunization with polysaccharide vaccines leads to a rapid rise in antibodies that persist in children for at least 2 years, and in adults up to 10 years, revaccination is carried out every 3 years. Conjugate vaccines maintain immunity for 10 years and develop immunological memory.

Existing

vaccines

The following vaccines are used in Russia:

• Meningococcal group A vaccine, polysaccharide dry (Russia) arid (Russia)
• Menveo — meningococcal oligosaccharide conjugated vaccine serogroups ACW135Y (Germany)
• Menactra — meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135),
• toxoid (USA)
• Menugate – meningococcal oligosaccharide conjugated vaccine group C (Belgium)
• Mencevax ACWY – meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine serogroup ACWY (Belgium, France)

Vaccination schedule

• Domestic vaccines – meningococcal A, A + C – from 18 months

It is possible to administer earlier than 18 months (if there is a sick person in the family or depending on the epidemic situation) “- from 2 years

Contraindications

Temporary:

• in acute diseases or exacerbation of chronic pathology, vaccination is carried out 2-4 weeks after recovery or in remission.