health
Meningococcal vaccine booster recommended for teenagers
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 12, 2011
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that adolescents receive a booster dose of meningococcal vaccine after recent data showed immunity from the immunization wanes quicker than previously thought, said a study published online Nov. 28 in Pediatrics.
Physicians should administer the quadrivalent vaccine to patients between the ages of 11 and 12, with a one-time booster dose at age 16, the CDC said (link).
Patients who receive their first dose of the vaccine between age 13 and 15 should get a booster sometime between age 16 and 18. A booster is not needed for teenagers who receive their first dose of the vaccine at age 16 or older.
Immunization with the meningococcal vaccine is not recommended in healthy patients older than 21 because risk of the disease diminishes, the CDC said.
Children at high risk of developing meningococcal disease should receive two doses of the vaccine. These doses should be administered three months apart in children younger than 2 and two months apart in patients 2 through 18.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/hlbf1212.htm.
