Meningococcal vaccine recommended for some teens

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The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending that a new meningococcal vaccine be given to certain groups of adolescents.

According to statements issued by the organizations, the targeted groups include pre-teens (11-12 years of age), adolescents at high school entry or age 15 years, and college freshmen living in dormitories.

The Academy also advises vaccinating other groups at high risk of bacterial meningitis, such as those with underlying medical conditions or travelers to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease.

The vaccine, MCV4 made by Sanofi Pasteur, is approved for use in people ages 11 to 55 years of age, according to a statement from the CDC. Currently, MCV4 is being targeted to those at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Once supplies are adequate, the CDC plans to recommend routine vaccination for all adolescents beginning at 11 years of age.

Although the rate of serious meningococcal disease peaks in infants younger than 12 months of age, a second lower peak occurs during the teen years, according to the AAP policy statement. Adolescents have the highest fatality rate from meningococcal disease—20 percent—of any age group.

An older meningococcal vaccine, MPSV4, is still licensed for use in individuals older than 2 years, but it is recommended for use in children only if they are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. A disadvantage of MPSV4 is that its efficacy wanes over time.

The new vaccine, MCV4, is associated with a better initial immune response and is expected to provide a longer duration of immunity.

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