Meningococcal Vaccine

What it is and how it works

A category of vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis: polysaccharide vaccines contain purified capsular polysaccharides, conjugate vaccines link these polysaccharides to a carrier protein to produce T-cell-dependent immunity and memory, and serogroup B vaccines contain recombinant or outer-membrane protein antigens. All induce bactericidal antibodies against the included serogroups.

Indications

Active immunisation against invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) caused by the serogroups contained in the vaccine, in infants, children and adults according to national recommendations, including travellers (e.g. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims), laboratory workers, close contacts of cases and people with asplenia or complement deficiency.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Given by intramuscular (or, for some polysaccharide vaccines, subcutaneous) injection, usually 0.5 mL per dose; the number of doses and boosters depends on the vaccine type, age and national schedule.

Contraindications

Severe hypersensitivity to any component or a severe reaction to a previous dose; postpone in acute severe febrile illness.

Warnings and precautions

Appropriate treatment for anaphylaxis should be available. Protection is limited to the serogroups included; plain polysaccharide vaccines are poorly immunogenic in children under 2 years and do not induce immunological memory. Response may be reduced in immunosuppressed patients and in those receiving complement inhibitors, who remain at increased risk.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–8 °C; do not freeze; protect from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.