MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE AND ITS CONTROL WITH MENINGOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINES

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (1) , 1-7
Abstract
Background information and specific evidence regarding the use of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines were summarized. On the basis of currently available data, it seems premature to recommend that immunization against meningococcal disease be included within routine immunization programs in developing countries. The irregularity of epidemics, the changing serogroups of meningococci, the different age distribution of cases in different areas, low efficacy of a single dose of meningococcal vaccine in children below 2 yr of age, short duration of post-immunization immunity in infants and young children and the still high coast of current meningococcal vaccines were noted. The meningococcal vaccines can be effective, however, in controlling epidemics due to meningococci of serogroups A or C provided they are quickly administered to the age groups within the population who are most at risk.

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