Can Menactra Be Given to a 17-Year-Old?
Yes, Menactra (MenACWY-D) is absolutely indicated and should be given to a 17-year-old, either as a primary dose if never vaccinated or as a booster dose if the first dose was administered before age 16.
Routine Adolescent Vaccination Schedule
The current ACIP guidelines establish clear recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in this age group 1:
- Primary vaccination: Adolescents aged 11-18 years should receive one dose of MenACWY if not previously vaccinated 1
- Booster dose: A booster is recommended at age 16 years if the first dose was given before the 16th birthday 1
- Timing for 17-year-olds specifically: If the adolescent received their first dose at age 13-15 years, they should receive a booster at age 16-18 years, making a 17-year-old eligible 1
Licensing and Age Appropriateness
Menactra (MenACWY-D) is licensed for persons aged 9 months through 55 years, making a 17-year-old well within the approved age range 1. The vaccine can be administered regardless of which MenACWY brand was used previously, as the vaccines are interchangeable 1.
Clinical Decision Points for a 17-Year-Old
If never vaccinated: Administer one dose immediately 1. Since they are receiving their first dose after age 16, no booster dose is needed unless they develop increased risk factors 1.
If previously vaccinated before age 16: Administer a booster dose now, as the minimum interval between doses is 8 weeks and waning immunity occurs 3-8 years after the initial dose 1, 2. Evidence shows vaccine effectiveness decreases from 79% at <1 year to 61% at 3-8 years post-vaccination 2.
If vaccinated at or after age 16: No additional dose is needed unless they become at increased risk for meningococcal disease 1.
Special Considerations
For college-bound students, this vaccination is particularly important 1. College freshmen living in residence halls should receive at least one dose within 5 years before college entry, with the preferred timing being on or after their 16th birthday 1.
The vaccine provides protection against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, which account for approximately 40% of meningococcal disease in adolescents 1. Antibody persistence remains high, with 89.9-98.2% of participants maintaining protective titers 4 years after a booster dose 3.