Prevention of meningococcal meningitis: the importance of adolescent vaccination coverage and the role of schools

Meningococcal meningitis vaccine recommendations:

Prevention through vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of the major pathogens that cause meningitis.
The Brazilian Society of Immunization (SBIM) and the Society of Pediatrics (SBP) recommend, whenever possible, the use of meningococcal conjugate ACWY vaccine. This vaccine consists of meningococcal capsule antigens of serogroups A, C, W and Y, therefore it is not capable of causing the disease, as it is prescribed for:

• Children from two months and adolescents.

• Adults and the elderly who suffer from conditions that increase the risk of contracting meningococcal disease, or according to the epidemiological situation.

• Travelers to areas with an increased risk of contracting the disease.

In addition, it is also important to apply the meningococcal B vaccine, which is recommended for children from 3 months and adolescents. This vaccine may be given at the same time as the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Meningococcal meningitis vaccination schedules have been proposed by SBIM and SBP.

Neither natural infection nor immunization against meningococcal meningitis provide lifelong protection, as the amount of antibodies decreases over time. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to booster doses as recommended by the Brazilian Society of Immunization (SBIM) and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).

Meningococcal conjugate quadvalent-ACWY vaccine can be found in primary health units (UBS) for adolescents aged 11-12 years and in private immunization services.

If ACWY vaccine cannot be used, meningococcal C conjugate vaccine should be used.

• Adolescents are potential carriers of bacterial meningitis, and therefore vaccination of this group is essential.

• Herd Immunity is only created when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated. Thus, it is important to keep the vaccination card updated.

• The school has an important role in health education and monitoring the vaccination card.

• Meningococcal conjugate quadvalent vaccine – recommended for routine use of children and adolescents by the Brazilian Society of Immunization (SBIM) and Pediatrics (SBP), in addition to being available in private vaccination services for all age groups. At UBS for teens ages 11-12.

Get vaccinated!

Hug

Dr. Amanda Count

Pediatrician

CRM-SP