Notice to Readers: Improved Supply of Meningococcal Conjugate
Vaccine, Recommendation to Resume Vaccination of Children Aged 11--12 Years
In January 2005, a tetravalent meningococcal
polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (MCV4) (Menactra™,
Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania) was licensed for use among persons aged 11--55 years. The Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with MCV4 for children aged 11--12 years at their
regular health-care visit and, if not previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents at high-school entry (at approximately age
15
years), of college freshmen living in dormitories, and of other persons at increased risk for meningococcal disease (i.e.,
military recruits, travelers to areas in which meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, microbiologists who are
routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria
meningitidis, persons with anatomic or functional asplenia, and persons with
terminal complement deficiency) (1).
In May 2006, CDC, in consultation with ACIP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family
Physicians, American College Health Association, and Society for Adolescent Medicine, recommended deferral of MCV4 vaccination
of children aged 11--12 years in response to vaccine supply limitations
(2). Currently, Sanofi Pasteur reports that limitations in
the MCV4 supply have resolved. Therefore, CDC recommends resuming routine vaccination for all recommended groups
according to ACIP recommendations, including children aged 11--12 years and, if not previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents
at high-school entry (at approximately age 15 years), of college freshmen living in dormitories, and of other persons at increased
risk for meningococcal disease. Where possible, providers who deferred vaccination of children aged 11--12 years should recall
those patients for vaccination. Providers who have questions about ordering vaccine may contact Sanofi Pasteur at 1-800-VACCINE
or at http://www.vaccineshoppe.com.
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