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Meningococcal vaccines in Canada: An update
Paediatrics & Child Health
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) protect against serious infections. Canadian children need MCV-C at 12 months and a booster, with high-risk children starting earlier and receiving MCV-4 at two years.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Vaccinology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningococcal infections pose a severe health risk, frequently leading to sepsis or meningitis.
- Two primary meningococcal conjugate vaccines are available in Canada: serotype C (MCV-C) and quadrivalent (MCV-4) for serotypes A, C, Y, and W-135.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present immunological characteristics guiding current meningococcal immunization policies in Canada.
- To identify limitations in current knowledge regarding meningococcal conjugate vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunological data and existing literature on meningococcal conjugate vaccines.
- Analysis of current Canadian immunization schedules and recommendations.
Main Results:
- Standard immunization for Canadian children includes MCV-C at 12 months and a booster (MCV-C or MCV-4) in adolescence.
- High-risk children require MCV-C starting at two months, followed by MCV-4 at two years.
Conclusions:
- Current vaccination policies recommend specific schedules for MCV-C and MCV-4 to mitigate meningococcal disease.
- Further research may be needed to address gaps in knowledge concerning vaccine efficacy and long-term immunity.
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