Checklist before meningococcal vaccination (killed)

• vaccine: killed bacteria polysaccharide
• minimum age: 18 months(Meningivac), 2 months(AC Vax)
• course: single dose 0.5ml s.c. or i.m.
• booster interval: 3 years(Meningivac); 5 years(AC Vax); 1 year (either, if aged under two)

Cautions/notes:

• safety unknown in pregnancy
• group C antigen immunity fades rapidly in small children - new meningococcal vaccine is immunogenic in children from 2 months of age - appears to induce immunological memory
• recommended, especially for children, travelling to sub-Saharan Africa and the Punjab, also Nepal and Brazil if far from medical facilities
• a certificate is required for Haj pilgrims travelling to Mecca (Saudi Arabia)
• MenC conjugate vaccine does not appear to interfere with the immune response to A&C polysaccharide vaccine or vice-versa. MenC gives excellent antibody responses after A&C polysaccharide vaccine. Those already immunised with MenC conjugate vaccine should be offered polysaccharide A&C vaccine if travelling to areas where meningococcal serotype A is prevalent