From the Guidelines
Meningitis vaccines are recommended for all preteens at age 11-12, with a booster dose at age 16, to prevent bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The MenACWY vaccine (brands Menactra, Menveo, or MenQuadfi) is the preferred vaccine for this age group, as it provides protection against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, which are the most common causes of meningitis in the United States 1.
Key Recommendations
- For most people in the United States, the MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all preteens at age 11-12, with a booster dose at age 16 1.
- The MenB vaccine (Bexsero or Trumenba) is recommended for certain high-risk individuals aged 10 and older, including those with complement component deficiencies, those without functioning spleens, and during outbreaks 1.
- College freshmen living in dormitories should receive MenACWY if not vaccinated at age 16 or later.
- For international travelers to areas with high rates of meningitis (particularly the "meningitis belt" of sub-Saharan Africa), vaccination is recommended before travel, with completion of the entire series preferred before travel 1.
- Infants at increased risk may receive meningococcal vaccines starting at 2 months of age.
High-Risk Groups
- Individuals with complement component deficiencies, such as C5-C9, properdin, or factor D, should receive a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY, 2 months apart, and a booster dose every 5 years 1.
- Those without functioning spleens should also receive a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY, 2 months apart, and a booster dose every 5 years 1.
- HIV-infected individuals should receive a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY, 2 months apart, and a booster dose at age 16 years if the primary dose was given at age 11 or 12 years, or at age 16 through 18 years if the primary dose was given at age 13 through 15 years 1.
Travel Recommendations
- Travelers to areas with high meningococcal endemicity, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa or the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, should receive an age-appropriate meningococcal vaccine that includes serogroups A and W before travel 1.
- Completion of the entire series is preferred before travel, with the specific schedule depending on the age of the traveler and the vaccine used 1.
From the Research
Meningitis Vaccine Recommendations
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine against serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) for individuals 2 months of age or older who are diagnosed with functional or anatomic asplenia, complement component deficiency, or HIV infection 2.
- Vaccination with a meningococcal vaccine against serogroup B (MenB) is also recommended for individuals 10 years of age or older who are diagnosed with functional or anatomic asplenia or complement component deficiency 2.
Target Populations
- Patients with functional or anatomic asplenia, including sickle cell anemia, are at increased risk of developing meningococcal disease and should receive MenACWY and MenB vaccines according to ACIP recommendations 2.
- Individuals with complement component deficiency or HIV infection are also at increased risk and should receive MenACWY vaccination 2.
Strategies to Improve Vaccination Coverage
- Better educating healthcare providers about recommendations for MenACWY and MenB vaccines in individuals at increased risk can help address suboptimal vaccination rates 2.
- Increasing awareness of low vaccination coverage and tailoring education to the needs of particular healthcare providers and their respective patient populations can also improve coverage 2.
- Administering vaccines at alternative sites of care, bundling preventative services, and implementing vaccination reminder systems can help remove barriers to vaccination 2.