Who should receive meningococcal vaccines. What are the different types of meningococcal vaccines available. How effective are meningococcal vaccines at preventing disease. What are the potential side effects of meningococcal vaccination. Why is meningococcal vaccination especially important for teens and young adults.

Understanding Meningococcal Disease and Its Risks

Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes) and septicemia (blood poisoning). Though relatively rare, it can be devastating and progress rapidly, potentially causing death within hours.

Are certain age groups more susceptible to meningococcal disease? Teens and young adults aged 16-23 face an increased risk of contracting this illness. The close living quarters in college dorms and military barracks, as well as certain social behaviors common in this age group, contribute to the higher incidence rate.

The Impact of Meningococcal Disease

How serious can meningococcal infections be? The consequences can be severe:

• About 10-15% of infected individuals die, even with proper treatment
• Up to 20% of survivors experience long-term disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputations
• The disease can progress extremely rapidly, with death occurring in as little as a few hours from onset of symptoms

Types of Meningococcal Vaccines Available in the United States

To combat this serious threat, medical science has developed two main types of meningococcal vaccines licensed for use in the United States:

1. Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines
2. Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines

How do these vaccines differ in their protection? MenACWY vaccines guard against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y) of the bacteria, while MenB vaccines specifically target serogroup B. Together, these vaccines help prevent the most common causes of meningococcal disease in the U.S.

Effectiveness of Meningococcal Vaccines

Are meningococcal vaccines effective in preventing the disease? Studies have shown that both types of vaccines are highly effective:

• MenACWY vaccines are 85-100% effective at preventing disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y
• MenB vaccines are 63-88% effective against serogroup B strains

It’s important to note that no single vaccine provides protection against all serogroups, which is why both types may be recommended for comprehensive coverage.

CDC Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established clear guidelines for meningococcal vaccination to protect those most at risk. Who should receive these vaccines according to the CDC?

MenACWY Vaccine Recommendations

The CDC recommends MenACWY vaccination for:

• All preteens at 11 to 12 years old
• A booster dose for all teens at 16 years old

Why is a booster dose necessary? The booster at age 16 ensures continued protection during the period when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. If a teenager missed their initial MenACWY vaccine, they should consult their doctor about getting it as soon as possible.

MenB Vaccine Recommendations

For the MenB vaccine, the CDC states that teens and young adults (16 through 23 years old) may receive it, with the preferred age being 16 through 18 years old. What should parents and young adults know about the MenB vaccine?

• Multiple doses are needed for optimal protection
• The same brand must be used for all doses in the series
• Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine if MenB vaccination is appropriate

Special Considerations for Meningococcal Vaccination

While routine vaccination is recommended for adolescents, are there other groups who should consider meningococcal vaccines? The CDC recommends one or both types of meningococcal vaccines for individuals with:

• Certain medical conditions that compromise the immune system
• Travel plans to areas where meningococcal disease is common
• Occupational exposure to meningococcal bacteria
• Increased risk due to a local meningococcal disease outbreak

These special circumstances highlight the importance of discussing individual risk factors with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate vaccination strategy.

Safety and Side Effects of Meningococcal Vaccines

Are meningococcal vaccines safe? Both MenACWY and MenB vaccines have been extensively studied and are considered safe for use. However, like all medical interventions, they can cause side effects in some individuals.

Common Side Effects of MenACWY Vaccines

What reactions might occur after receiving a MenACWY vaccine? About half of the people who receive this vaccine experience mild problems, including:

• Redness or pain at the injection site
• Low-grade fever

These reactions typically resolve on their own within 1 to 2 days. Serious reactions are possible but rare.

Common Side Effects of MenB Vaccines

How do side effects of MenB vaccines compare? More than half of MenB vaccine recipients may experience mild issues such as:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or diarrhea

These reactions usually improve within 3 to 7 days. As with MenACWY vaccines, serious reactions to MenB vaccines are possible but uncommon.

The Importance of Timely Vaccination for Teens

Why is it crucial to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule for adolescents? Timely vaccination is essential because:

• It provides protection during the ages when risk is highest
• The immune response to the vaccine is strongest in adolescents
• It helps prevent the spread of meningococcal bacteria in communities

Parents should work closely with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that meningococcal vaccines are administered at the appropriate times.

Catch-Up Vaccination

What if a teen has missed their recommended doses? It’s never too late to catch up on meningococcal vaccination. Healthcare providers can create a catch-up schedule to ensure that teens receive the protection they need, even if they’ve missed earlier opportunities for vaccination.

Meningococcal Vaccination in Special Populations

While routine vaccination is recommended for all adolescents, certain groups may require additional doses or different vaccination schedules. Who are these special populations?

• Individuals with persistent complement component deficiencies
• People taking complement inhibitor medications
• Those with functional or anatomic asplenia
• Microbiologists routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis
• People at risk due to an outbreak

For these groups, more frequent boosters or additional doses may be necessary to maintain adequate protection against meningococcal disease.

Vaccination for College Students

Why is meningococcal vaccination particularly important for college students? College freshmen living in dormitories are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Many colleges and universities require proof of meningococcal vaccination before enrollment. Students should check with their institutions regarding specific requirements and recommendations.

Global Perspectives on Meningococcal Vaccination

How do meningococcal vaccination practices vary around the world? Different countries have adopted various approaches to meningococcal vaccination based on local epidemiology and resources:

• In the UK, MenACWY vaccine is offered to all 14-year-olds and university entrants
• Australia includes MenACWY vaccine in its national immunization program for infants, with a booster in adolescence
• Some African countries conduct mass vaccination campaigns with MenA vaccine in high-risk areas

These global efforts highlight the worldwide recognition of meningococcal disease as a serious public health threat.

Vaccination for International Travelers

Should travelers consider meningococcal vaccination? Certain international destinations may pose an increased risk of meningococcal disease. Travelers should consult with a travel medicine specialist to determine if meningococcal vaccination is recommended based on their itinerary and individual risk factors.

Ongoing Research and Future Developments in Meningococcal Vaccines

What advancements are on the horizon for meningococcal vaccines? Researchers are continually working to improve existing vaccines and develop new ones. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of vaccines that provide broader coverage against multiple serogroups
• Improvement of vaccine efficacy and duration of protection
• Investigation of alternative delivery methods, such as intranasal vaccines
• Exploration of strategies to enhance immune response in infants and elderly individuals

These research efforts aim to further reduce the global burden of meningococcal disease and provide more comprehensive protection across all age groups.

Potential for a Universal Meningococcal Vaccine

Is a universal meningococcal vaccine possible? Scientists are exploring the development of a vaccine that could protect against all serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis. While this goal presents significant challenges, progress in understanding the bacteria’s biology and advancements in vaccine technology offer hope for future breakthroughs.

As research continues, it’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about current vaccination recommendations and consult with healthcare providers to ensure optimal protection against meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC

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Teens and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a very serious illness where death can occur in as little as a few hours. Talk with a doctor about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.

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

• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines
• Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines

These vaccines help prevent the most common causes of meningococcal disease in the United States.

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for preteens, teens, and certain other people

CDC recommends MenACWY vaccine for:

• All preteens at 11 to 12 years old
• All teens at 16 years old

The booster dose at 16 years old gives teens continued protection during the ages when they are at highest risk.

If your teenager missed getting MenACWY vaccine, ask their doctor about getting it now.

Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) may also get MenB vaccine:

• Preferred age is 16 through 18 years old
• Multiple doses needed for best protection
• Must get the same brand for all doses

Talk with your teen’s doctor if you are interested in MenB vaccination.

Younger children and adults usually do not need meningococcal vaccines. However, CDC recommends one or both types of meningococcal vaccines for people with

• Certain medical conditions
• Travel plans to areas where the disease is common
• Jobs working with the bacteria
• Increased risk due to a meningococcal disease outbreak

Learn more about who should get meningococcal vaccines.

Meningococcal vaccines are safe but side effects can occur

About half of people who get a MenACWY vaccine have mild problems following vaccination:

• Redness or pain where they got the shot
• Fever

These reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days, but serious reactions are possible.

Following MenB vaccination, more than half of people who get the vaccine will have mild problems:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where they got the shot
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or diarrhea

These reactions usually get better on their own within 3 to 7 days, but serious reactions are possible.

• Meningococcal Communication and Print Resources
• Meningococcal vaccination information
  • What everyone should know
  • Information for healthcare professionals
• Vaccination coverage: TeenVaxView for MenACWY Data
• Vaccination schedules (parent-friendly)
• Vaccines for Children program

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Meningococcal Vaccination for Preteens and Teens: For Parents

• Meningococcal Vaccines
• MenACWY Vaccines
• MenB Vaccines

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a single dose of a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years. The booster dose provides protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) also may receive a serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine. The preferred age to get MenB vaccine is 16 through 18 years old. Talk with your teen’s doctor about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.

Meningococcal Vaccines

Preteens and teens are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious illness.

Meningococcal disease can be devastating and often—and unexpectedly—strikes otherwise healthy people. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, teens and young adults 16 through 23 years old are at increased risk. Meningococcal bacteria can cause severe, even deadly, infections like

• Meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
• Bacteremia or septicemia (bloodstream infections)

About 1 in 5 people who survive their meningococcal infection have permanent disabilities.

There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Each type helps protect your child against different serogroups (strains) of meningococcal disease.

MenACWY vaccines provide protection against 4 serogroups: A, C, W, and Y. MenB vaccines provide protection against serogroup B. Currently no meningococcal vaccine offers protection against these 5 serogroups in 1 shot.

Your child can get MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same time.

Your child’s doctor can give both types of meningococcal vaccines during the same visit, but preferably in different arms. If you choose for your child to get a MenB vaccine, the preferred timing is between 16 and 18 years old. So it’s possible your child will get this vaccine and the MenACWY booster dose at the same visit.

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MenACWY Vaccines

A MenACWY booster shot helps protect your teen during the ages they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.

Protection from a single dose of MenACWY vaccine declines in most teens within 5 years. Teens need a booster dose at age 16 years to provide protection during the ages when they are at highest risk.

Many colleges require proof of MenACWY vaccination within 5 years before starting school.

Regardless of school requirements, CDC recommends a booster dose for all teens who received the first dose before their 16^th birthday. The booster dose provides the best protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk. Teens who receive their first MenACWY vaccine dose at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.

MenACWY vaccines are safe. However, as with any vaccine, side effects can occur.

About half of the people who get a MenACWY vaccine have mild problems following vaccination, such as:

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

If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days. Serious reactions are possible, but rare.

CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines, including MenACWY vaccines. For more information, view the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Information Statement.

It does not matter which brand of MenACWY vaccine your child receives.

CDC has no preference as to which brand (Menactra^®, Menveo^®, or MenQuadfi^®) of a MenACWY vaccine your child receives.

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MenB Vaccines

There are many ways to find a MenB vaccine provider near you.

Your child’s doctor may already have these vaccines in their office. College health centers or pharmacies may also have them available.

If you’re interested in having your child vaccinated with a MenB vaccine, talk to your child’s doctor.

CDC does not routinely recommend a MenB vaccine for all teens and young adults. However, all teens may get vaccinated, preferably at 16 to 18 years old.

Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare. Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. colleges during the past decade. CDC’s current recommendation gives people access to MenB vaccines to help prevent this uncommon, but serious illness. However, doctors and parents should discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination. Available data suggest these vaccines are safe and provide protection, but that protection decreases fairly quickly after vaccination.

MenB vaccines are safe. However, as with any vaccine, side effects can occur.

Available data suggest that MenB vaccines are safe. More than half of the people who get a MenB vaccine have mild problems following vaccination:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or diarrhea

If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 3 to 5 days. Serious reactions are possible, but rare.

Teens are more likely to have side effects after MenB vaccination compared to other vaccines given to preteens and teens. Those other vaccines include HPV, MenACWY, and Tdap vaccines.

CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines, including MenB vaccines. For more information, view the Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement.

Most health insurance plans pay for MenB vaccination for teens and young adults.

Most health plans must cover CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs if an in-network healthcare provider administers the vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to you for this vaccine.

The Vaccines for Children, or VFC, program provides vaccines for children 18 years old and younger who are

• Not insured
• Medicaid-eligible
• American Indian or Alaska Native

Parents can find a VFC provider by contacting their local health department. VFC will cover the cost of MenB vaccination for those

• 16 through 18 years old
• 10 through 18 years old at increased risk due to a medical condition
• 10 through 18 years old identified as being at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

It does not matter which brand of a MenB vaccine your child receives.

CDC has no preference as to which brand (Bexsero^® or Trumenba^®) of MenB vaccine your child receives. Both brands require multiple doses. People must get the same vaccine brand for all doses.

MenB vaccines are administered as a 2- or 3-dose series.

Both MenB vaccines require more than 1 dose for maximum protection.

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Meningococcal Vaccination of Adolescents: Information for Healthcare Professionals

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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 infection. existing vaccines. Vaccines and schemes of administration. Immunization specialists

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

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Vaccines and administration schedules Existing vaccines

average for 5 days and persists 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 polysaccharide dry vaccine (Russia) ridnaya (Russia)
• Menveo – meningococcal oligosaccharide conjugated serogroup vaccine ACW135Y (Germany)
• Menactra — meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135),
• conjugated with diphtheria toxoid (USA)
• Menugate – meningococcal oligosaccharide conjugate group C vaccine (Belgium)
• Mencevax ACWY – meningococcal polysaccharide serogroup ACWY vaccine (Belgium, France)

Vaccination schedule

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• 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)0030

“Menactra” – from 9 months of life – twice with an interval of at least 3 months.