What are the types of meningococcal vaccines available. Who should get meningococcal vaccines and when. How effective are meningococcal vaccines in preventing disease. What are the potential side effects of meningococcal vaccines. How long does protection from meningococcal vaccines last.

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 lining) and septicemia (blood infection). While uncommon, it can be devastating and often strikes otherwise healthy individuals, particularly teens and young adults.

Why are teenagers and young adults at higher risk for meningococcal disease? This age group is more susceptible due to lifestyle factors such as living in close quarters (e.g., dormitories), sharing personal items, and engaging in activities that can weaken the immune system. Additionally, their immune systems may not be fully developed to fight off the bacteria effectively.

• Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, with death occurring in as little as a few hours
• About 1 in 5 survivors experience permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputations
• Early symptoms can be mistaken for flu, making timely diagnosis challenging

Types of Meningococcal Vaccines Available in the United States

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

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

These vaccines target different strains (serogroups) of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. MenACWY vaccines provide protection against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, while MenB vaccines protect against serogroup B. Currently, there is no single vaccine that offers protection against all five serogroups.

Can MenACWY and MenB vaccines be administered simultaneously?

Yes, both types of meningococcal vaccines can be given during the same visit, preferably in different arms. This approach can be convenient and ensures comprehensive protection against the most common disease-causing strains.

CDC Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established specific recommendations for meningococcal vaccination to protect individuals at highest risk:

MenACWY Vaccine Recommendations

• All preteens should receive their first dose at 11-12 years old
• A booster dose is recommended for all teens at 16 years old

The booster dose is crucial as it provides continued protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. If a teenager missed getting the MenACWY vaccine, parents should consult their doctor about catching up on this important immunization.

MenB Vaccine Recommendations

• Teens and young adults aged 16-23 years may receive the MenB vaccine
• The preferred age range for MenB vaccination is 16-18 years
• Multiple doses are required for optimal protection
• It’s essential to use the same brand for all doses in the series

Parents interested in MenB vaccination for their teens should discuss the option with their healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate based on individual risk factors and circumstances.

Special Considerations for Meningococcal Vaccination

While younger children and adults generally don’t require meningococcal vaccines, there are exceptions. The CDC recommends one or both types of meningococcal vaccines for individuals with:

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

Healthcare providers can assess individual risk factors and recommend appropriate vaccination strategies for these special populations.

Effectiveness and Duration of Protection

How effective are meningococcal vaccines in preventing disease? Studies have shown that both MenACWY and MenB vaccines are highly effective in preventing meningococcal disease caused by the serogroups they target. However, it’s important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective, and breakthrough infections can occur, albeit rarely.

The duration of protection provided by meningococcal vaccines varies:

• MenACWY vaccines: Protection tends to wane over time, which is why a booster dose is recommended at age 16
• MenB vaccines: The duration of protection is still being studied, but current data suggest it may be shorter than that of MenACWY vaccines

Ongoing research continues to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines and may inform future vaccination strategies.

Safety Profile and Potential Side Effects

Meningococcal vaccines have been extensively studied and are considered safe. However, like all medical interventions, they can cause side effects. It’s important for parents and teens to be aware of potential reactions following vaccination.

MenACWY Vaccine Side Effects

Approximately half of the individuals who receive a MenACWY vaccine may experience mild side effects, including:

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

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

MenB Vaccine Side Effects

More than half of MenB vaccine recipients may experience mild side effects 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 3-7 days. As with any vaccine, serious reactions are possible but uncommon.

Parents should monitor their children for any unusual symptoms following vaccination and report them to their healthcare provider promptly.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite the proven benefits of meningococcal vaccination, some parents may have concerns or questions. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Is natural immunity better than vaccine-induced immunity?

While natural infection can provide immunity, the risks associated with meningococcal disease far outweigh any potential benefits of natural immunity. Vaccination offers protection without the dangers of experiencing the actual disease.

Can meningococcal vaccines cause meningitis?

No, meningococcal vaccines cannot cause meningitis. The vaccines contain either inactivated bacteria or specific proteins from the bacteria, which are incapable of causing the disease.

Are the aluminum adjuvants in some meningococcal vaccines dangerous?

Aluminum adjuvants have been used safely in vaccines for decades to enhance immune response. The amount of aluminum in vaccines is very small and well within the safe limits established by regulatory agencies.

Do meningococcal vaccines affect fertility?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that meningococcal vaccines have any impact on fertility. These vaccines have been extensively studied and have not been linked to fertility issues in either males or females.

The Importance of Timely Vaccination

Why is it crucial to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule? Timely vaccination ensures that individuals are protected during the periods when they are at highest risk for meningococcal disease. Delaying or skipping vaccinations can leave teens vulnerable during critical years.

Factors that underscore the importance of timely vaccination include:

• The rapid progression of meningococcal disease, which can be life-threatening within hours
• The increased risk for teens and young adults due to lifestyle factors and social behaviors
• The potential for outbreaks in settings where young people congregate, such as college campuses

By following the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule, parents can help protect their children during the years when they are most susceptible to this severe bacterial infection.

Resources for Further Information and Support

For parents and teens seeking additional information about meningococcal vaccination, several reliable resources are available:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: Offers comprehensive information on meningococcal disease and vaccination
• Local health departments: Can provide region-specific guidance and vaccination services
• Healthcare providers: Able to offer personalized advice based on individual health histories and risk factors
• National Meningitis Association: Provides educational resources and support for families affected by meningococcal disease

These resources can help families make informed decisions about meningococcal vaccination and ensure they have access to the most up-to-date information on disease prevention.

In conclusion, meningococcal vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting teens and young adults from a potentially devastating bacterial infection. By understanding the types of vaccines available, following CDC recommendations, and addressing any concerns with healthcare providers, parents can take an active role in safeguarding their children’s health during a critical period of development. Remember, prevention through vaccination is key to reducing the impact of meningococcal disease on individuals and communities.

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.