From the Guidelines
The recommended meningitis vaccine for a 12-year-old is the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y 1.
Key Points
- The vaccine is administered as a single dose at age 11-12 years, with a booster dose recommended at age 16 years if the first dose was administered before the 16th birthday 1.
- MenACWY vaccines are interchangeable and can be used for primary vaccination and booster doses 1.
- The serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB) is not routinely recommended for this age group, but may be considered for individuals at increased risk of serogroup B meningococcal disease 1.
Important Considerations
- College freshmen living in residence halls should receive at least one dose of MenACWY within 5 years before college entry, with the preferred timing of the most recent dose being on or after their 16th birthday 1.
- Certain schools, colleges, and universities may have policies requiring vaccination against meningococcal disease as a condition of enrollment 1.
From the Research
Meningitis Vaccine Recommendations
The recommended meningitis vaccine for a 12-year-old is the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine, which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y 2, 3.
Vaccine Administration
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that this vaccine be given to 11- and 12-year-old adolescents, as well as to adolescents entering high school and college freshmen living in dormitories 3.
Importance of Vaccination
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a rare but serious illness, and adolescents and young adults are at increased risk 2. Vaccination against the most common disease-causing serogroups can inform future recommendations and has been shown to be effective in preventing IMD 2, 3.
Vaccine Effectiveness
Studies have shown that the MenACWY vaccine is effective in preventing IMD, with a significant decline in disease incidence after the introduction of routine vaccination 2. Additionally, the vaccine has been shown to induce bactericidal antibody production and promote immunologic memory, resulting in a longer duration of immunity 3.
Booster Dose
A booster dose of the MenACWY vaccine is recommended at age 16 years, and has been shown to be effective in sustaining population immunity against MenC disease 4, 5.
Special Considerations
Certain individuals, such as those with HIV infection or other medical conditions that increase the risk of meningococcal disease, may require special consideration and additional vaccinations 6.
Key Points
- The recommended meningitis vaccine for a 12-year-old is the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine.
- The vaccine should be given to 11- and 12-year-old adolescents, as well as to adolescents entering high school and college freshmen living in dormitories.
- A booster dose of the MenACWY vaccine is recommended at age 16 years.
- Certain individuals may require special consideration and additional vaccinations.