From the Research
Yes, the meningitis A vaccine can be given at age 21, as part of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) which protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. For adults aged 21, a single dose is recommended, especially for those at increased risk such as college students living in dormitories, military recruits, or those traveling to areas where meningitis A is common (like the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa) 1. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacterial polysaccharide capsule, providing protection against invasive meningococcal disease. Some key points to consider include:
- The vaccine is typically well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or low-grade fever lasting 1-2 days 2.
- If you've never received a meningococcal vaccine before, a single dose is sufficient unless you have certain medical conditions like asplenia or complement deficiency, in which case a booster might be recommended after 5 years 3.
- The use of meningococcal conjugate vaccines has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of meningococcal disease, as demonstrated by studies such as the one published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2020 4.
- Ongoing efforts are being made to develop next-generation, pentavalent vaccines including a MenACWYX conjugate vaccine and a MenACWY conjugate vaccine combined with MenB, which are expected to contribute to the global control of meningitis 2.