From the Research
For a 2-year-old child in Canada who has not received the meningococcal C (Men-C) vaccine, the catch-up schedule requires a single dose of the monovalent meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (Menjugate or NeisVac-C). This vaccine should be administered as soon as possible, as it provides protection against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, which can cause serious invasive diseases including meningitis and septicemia. The vaccine is given as a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, typically in the anterolateral thigh or deltoid muscle. No additional doses are required for catch-up at this age, as children typically receive one dose at 12 months as part of the routine schedule. After receiving this catch-up dose, the child should follow the regular schedule for subsequent meningococcal vaccinations, which includes the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (Men-C-ACYW) in adolescence. This vaccination is particularly important as meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and has high rates of morbidity and mortality, with children under 5 years being at increased risk, as noted in studies such as 1. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacterial polysaccharide capsule, providing protection before potential exposure to the pathogen. Key points to consider in the administration of this vaccine include:
- The importance of prompt vaccination to prevent meningococcal disease, given its potential for high morbidity and mortality 2, 3
- The role of conjugate vaccines in inducing long-term immunity and preventing invasive meningococcal disease, as discussed in 4 and 5
- The need for ongoing monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and potential waning immunity, as highlighted in 3