Age as a Risk Factor
Adolescents and young adults 16 through 21 years of age have high rates of meningococcal disease. For this reason, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination of all persons 11 through 18 years of age with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). Children 11-12 years of age should visit their health care providers to receive 1 dose of MCV4 and other preventive services. A booster dose of MCV4 is recommended at 16 years of age. Learn more about MCV4 vaccination.
To learn more about preteen and adolescent vaccines, visit the vaccine site.
Infants are also at high risk for meningococcal disease. There are vaccines licensed to prevent meningococcal disease for children as young as 6 weeks of age. However, the serogroup of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that occurs most frequently in infants (serogroup B) is the type that is not included in any of the currently available vaccines.
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