Meningococcal vaccination rates among 16- to 18-year-olds are very low, despite increased risk
At 77.8%, primary meningococcal vaccination rates are high, but it is estimated that only
29.6% of 16- to 18-year-olds have received a booster dose, leaving approximately 7 million
older adolescents under-vaccinated.
Furthermore, studies have shown that protection provided by the primary vaccination given
at 11 to 12 years of age wanes over time.3 In fact, approximately 50% of older adolescents
may be under-protected against meningococcal disease 5 years after primary vaccination
—the same time they enter their peak period of risk for this disease.3
For this reason, the ACIPa recommends that adolescents receive 2 doses of meningococcal
vaccine: the first at 11 to 12 years of age and the second at 16 years of age.4
How will you help protect your patients from this potentially devastating
disease?
Talk to your patients and their parents about meningococcal disease, and vaccinate at every
opportunity, including both sick and well visits. Here are some helpful ways to ensure that
you’re vaccinating as many patients as possible:
· Establish a consistent booster immunization protocol for every health care provider to
follow
· Remember that a large number of US adolescents do not have the opportunity to go to
college, meaning that they are less likely to come in for a meningococcal vaccination
· Consider implementing patient outreach tactics such as:
– Recall scripts—use recorded messages, via voicemail, and
e-mail to inform patients and their parents when it’s time to come in for a vaccination
– Reminder postcards—send friendly reminders in the mail that let patients and parents
know how important meningococcal immunization is
– Questionnaires—give these out at visit sign-in to educate patients and parents about the
severity of meningococcal disease and to reinforce the importance of being immunized
a ACIP = Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
MKT29031
References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National, regional, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years—United States, 2013. MMWR. 2014;63(29):625-633. 2. Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Data on file (2nd dose immunization rates), April 2013. MKT26442. 3. CDC. Updated recommendations for use of meningococcal conjugate vaccines—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010. MMWR. 2011;60(3):72-76. 4. CDC. Prevention and control of meningococcal disease: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 2013;62(RR-2):1-28.