As expected, this week the ACIP, the official U.S. immunization recommendation committee, decided to recommend the new meningococcal vaccine (MCV4, Menactra) for all children ages 11-12, as well as for teenagers entering high school and college freshman living in dormitories. The vaccine was approved by the FDA last month. The vaccine will become part of the routine immunization schedule for children ages 11-12 later this year. It can be given at that age along with the already recommended Td booster. Older children who have not had the vaccine may elect to receive it; college students living in dorms are at much higher risk for disease and should receive the vaccine as well.
The new vaccine is more effective than the current meningococcal vaccine made by the same company. The new vaccine results in stronger and longer lasting immunity, which is why it is being recommended at the 11-12 year-old visit, a visit where other vaccines are already given.
