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Meningococcal disease in travelers: update on vaccine options

Jakob P Cramer1, Annelies Wilder-Smith

  • 1Section Infectious Diseases/Tropical Medicine, I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. cramer@bni-hamburg.de

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|August 22, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Travelers at risk of meningococcal disease (a serious illness) should use tetravalent conjugate vaccines. New vaccines for serogroup B are emerging, expanding protection options for international travelers.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology of infectious diseases
  • Vaccinology
  • Travel medicine

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) poses a rare but severe risk to international travelers.
  • Recent advancements in vaccine technology have significantly improved prevention strategies.
  • Understanding current risks and recommendations is crucial for traveler health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To offer current insights into the risks of IMD for travelers.
  • To review updated vaccine recommendations for preventing IMD in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on IMD in travelers.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on high-risk travel destinations.
  • Evaluation of newly licensed and developing meningococcal vaccines.

Main Results:

  • Increased data confirm Hajj pilgrimage and meningitis belt travel as high-risk activities.
  • Two new tetravalent conjugate vaccines (targeting serogroups A, C, W135, Y) are now available.
  • Progress in developing serogroup B vaccines is notable.

Conclusions:

  • Tetravalent conjugate vaccines are recommended for travelers at risk of IMD.
  • Further research is needed on re-vaccination schedules and immunogenicity in specific age groups.
  • Upcoming serogroup B vaccines and potential pentavalent vaccines will enhance traveler protection.

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