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CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for pediatric use of third meningococcal vaccine
The CDC published today the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations on the use of a third meningococcal conjugate vaccine among young children at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
The ACIP recommended during its October 2013 meeting to include MenACWY-CRM (Menveo, Novartis) as an additional option for vaccinating infants aged 2 to 23 months with an increased risk for meningococcal disease, according to the report on MMWR.
The ACIP Meningococcal Vaccines Work Group reviewed data from five phase 3 clinical trials of MenACWY-CRM use among infants aged 2 to 23 months to determine safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine. The group also reviewed literature and unpublished data on disease epidemiology.
Routine vaccination against meningococcal disease is not recommended for children aged 2 months to 10 years. MenACWY-CRM can protect against serotypes A, C, W and Y in infants aged 2 to 23 months with an increased risk for meningococcal disease. It is recommended infants receive a four-dose vaccination series, with doses administered at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. Children who begin vaccination at ages 7 to 23 months are recommended to receive two doses of MenACWY-CRM, with the second dose administered when they are older than 12 months and at least 3 months after the first dose.
MenACWY-CRM is the only vaccine licensed for infants aged younger than 9 months that includes protection against meningococcal serogroups A and W. Thus, infants aged less than 9 months traveling or residing in areas prone to meningococcal epidemic caused by serogroups A and W should be vaccinated before travel.
Due to differences in serogroup composition and licensure indication, researchers recommend the same vaccine product is used for all doses in infants at increased risk for meningococcal disease. However, if the prior used vaccine is unknown or unavailable, vaccination series can be completed with any age and formulation appropriate meningococcal vaccine.
Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip for more information.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
