Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Meningococcal Disease in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Time to Prepare
David E Bloom1, Paolo Bonanni2, Federico Martinón-Torres3,4,5
1Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
The global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels. Although policymakers may have shifted their focus away from IMD vaccination programs to COVID-19 vaccination programs, strong arguments support implementation and prioritization of IMD vaccination programs; IMD cases have increased in some countries and IMD rates may even have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Additional concerns include increased susceptibility due to vaccination coverage gaps, increased incidence of other respiratory pathogens, immunity debt from lockdown restrictions, and increased IMD epidemiologic variability. The full range of benefits of widely available and effective meningococcal vaccines needs to be considered, especially in health technology assessments, where the broad benefits of these vaccines are neither accurately quantified nor captured in implementation policy decisions. Importantly, implementation of meningococcal vaccination programs in the current IMD climate also appeals to broader healthcare principles, including preparedness rather than reactive approaches, generally accepted benefit-risk approaches to vaccination, historical precedent, and the World Health Organization's goal of defeating meningitis by 2030. Countries should therefore act swiftly to bolster existing meningococcal vaccination strategies to provide broad coverage across age groups and serogroups given the recent increases in IMD incidence.
Insights
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence decreased during COVID-19 but is now rising due to vaccination gaps. Prioritizing meningococcal vaccination programs is crucial for public health preparedness and achieving global meningitis elimination goals.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape, leading to decreased incidence due to public health measures.
- Reduced vaccination rates during the pandemic created immunity gaps, potentially increasing susceptibility to IMD.
- A shift in focus from IMD to COVID-19 vaccination may have further impacted meningococcal immunization coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the resurgence of IMD and the critical need to re-prioritize meningococcal vaccination programs.
- To emphasize the broader public health benefits of meningococcal vaccines beyond direct disease prevention.
- To advocate for strengthened vaccination strategies to address current and future IMD risks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global IMD incidence trends during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
- Review of vaccination coverage data and public health policy shifts.
- Assessment of factors contributing to increased IMD risk, including immunity debt and pathogen co-incidence.
Main Results:
- IMD incidence initially decreased due to pandemic mitigation measures but has since increased in several countries, potentially exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- Vaccination coverage gaps have widened, increasing population susceptibility.
- Factors like immunity debt and increased incidence of other respiratory pathogens exacerbate IMD risks.
Conclusions:
- Despite pandemic-related disruptions, meningococcal vaccination programs require renewed focus and prioritization.
- Comprehensive health technology assessments are needed to capture the full benefits of meningococcal vaccines.
- Swift action to bolster vaccination strategies is essential to achieve broad coverage and combat rising IMD incidence, aligning with global health goals.
More Related Videos
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment