Vaccination to Prevent Meningococcal Meningitis

A quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is available against four of the most common strains of N. meningitides in the United States (A, C, Y, W135). The vaccine can be used in adults and children older than two years of age and is 85 to 100 percent effective in preventing serogroups A and C of meningitis in older children and adults. The vaccine is often used to control serotype C meningococcal disease outbreaks and for pre-exposure among certain high-risk groups (e.g., immunosuppressed, travelers).

As of October 20, 1999, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that undergraduate college students, particularly freshmen who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, receive information about meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of vaccination. Freshmen and other undergraduates who wish to reduce their risk for disease should be provided access to the vaccine.

As of January 2011, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons aged 21 years or younger should have a dose of meningococcal vaccine not more than 5 years before enrollment. If the primary dose was administered before the 16th birthday, a booster dose should be administered before enrolling in college. The booster dose can be administered anytime after the 16th birthday to ensure that the booster is provided. The minimum interval between doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is 8 weeks.

In addition, The Center for Disease Control has recently updated their General Recommendations on Immunization. This information is available from the Center for Disease Control online.

To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, visit the Student Health Center, or call for an appointment at (909) 537-5241. You can also visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College Health Association.