MCV4: Protection Against Meningococcal Disease
MCV4 (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine) is used to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135, which can cause life-threatening meningitis and sepsis. 1
What MCV4 Protects Against
- MCV4 prevents invasive meningococcal disease caused by four specific serogroups (A, C, Y, and W-135) of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria 1
- These bacteria cause meningitis and sepsis, which are life-threatening infections with serious complications including neurologic sequelae, limb amputation, and death 2
- The vaccine induces production of bactericidal antibodies directed against the capsular polysaccharides of these four serogroups, providing protection within 7-10 days of vaccination 1, 3
Who Should Receive MCV4
Routine Vaccination
- All adolescents aged 11-12 years should receive MCV4, with a booster dose at age 16 years 1, 2
- MCV4 is licensed for persons aged 11-55 years (though newer formulations extend this range) 1
High-Risk Groups Requiring Vaccination
- College freshmen living in dormitories 1
- Military recruits 1
- Microbiologists routinely exposed to N. meningitidis isolates 1
- Travelers to or residents of countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, particularly sub-Saharan Africa's "meningitis belt" during December-June, and travelers to Mecca for Hajj 1
- Persons with terminal complement component deficiencies 1
- Persons with anatomic or functional asplenia 1
- HIV-infected patients may elect vaccination, though efficacy data are limited 1
Key Advantages Over Older Polysaccharide Vaccine
- MCV4 produces T-lymphocyte-dependent immune responses with immunologic memory, unlike the older MPSV4 polysaccharide vaccine 4
- MCV4 provides longer-lasting protection compared to MPSV4, which offers only short-term immunity without substantial immunologic memory 1, 4
- MCV4 is preferred over MPSV4 for all persons aged 11-55 years when both are available 1
- Conjugate vaccines like MCV4 can reduce nasopharyngeal carriage and interrupt transmission, providing herd immunity benefits that polysaccharide vaccines cannot 4
Administration Details
- MCV4 is administered as a single 0.5-mL intramuscular injection, preferably in the deltoid region 1
- Protective antibody levels are achieved within 7-10 days of vaccination 1
- MCV4 can be administered concomitantly with other vaccines at different anatomic sites 1
Important Clinical Considerations
- Revaccination may be indicated for persons at prolonged increased risk who were previously vaccinated 3-5 years ago 1
- Strong provider recommendation is the single most important factor in vaccine acceptance and uptake 2
- MCV4 is contraindicated in persons with severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component, including diphtheria toxoid 1
- MCV4 can be administered to immunosuppressed persons, though response may be suboptimal 1