CHILD Profile
Meningococcal vaccine can prevent four types of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal vaccine cannot prevent all types of the disease, but it does help to protect many people who might become sick if they don't get the vaccine.
Two meningococcal vaccines are available in the US:
One dose of MCV4 is recommended for children and adolescents aged 11 through 18 years. This dose is normally given during the routine pre-teen health check up at age 11-12 years. Those who did not get the vaccine during this visit should get it at the earliest opportunity.
Meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for other people at increased risk for meningococcal disease:
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people aged 2-55 years in these risk groups, but MPSV4 can be used if MCV4 is not available. MPSV4 should be used for adults over 55 who are at risk.
Guidelines for the Use
of State Supplied Vaccines (PDF 117kb) (04/04/08)
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines
Last Update: 07/21/2008 08:20 AM