Prior meningococcal A/C polysaccharide vaccine does not reduce immune responses to conjugate vaccine in young adults

The immune responses induced in young adults by a meningococcal A/C polysaccharide-diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (Mcj) and a meningococcal A/C plain polysaccharide vaccine (Mps) were evaluated in unvaccinated subjects and those who had received either vaccine previously. 195 subjects aged 17-30 years received either Mps or Mcj. After 12 months, they were randomised again to receive a second dose of either vaccine. Serogroup specific serum bactericidal assay (SBA) titers and IgG antibody responses were assayed before and 4-8 weeks after primary and booster immunisation. Both vaccines were immunogenic in previously unvaccinated subjects. Administration of a dose of Mps after previous Mps or Mcj induced lower bactericidal titers to group C Neisseria meningitidis than those seen after a single dose of Mps. Bactericidal antibody responses to Mcj were not reduced in subjects who had previously received Mps.