Stay On Top of Meningococcal Vaccination Updates

Top Takeaways

• Men-C-ACYW vaccines now replace monovalent Men-C vaccines for routine meningococcal immunization.
• Give an age-appropriate Men-C-ACYW vaccine and keep high-risk patients on schedule for boosters.
• Watch for vaccine mix-ups, as Men-C-ACYW products differ in age indications and preparation.

Questions are swirling about meningococcal vaccination...now that monovalent vaccines (Menjugate, NeisVac-C) are no longer available.

Meningococcal disease is rare. But about 10% of cases are fatal...and up to 20% result in long-term complications, such as brain damage.

Ensure eligible patients get the right vaccine at the right time.

Infants and children. Recommend starting routine meningococcal vaccination with QUADrivalent conjugate Men-C-ACYW vaccine...instead of MONOvalent conjugate C vaccine.

Recommend 1 dose of Men-C-ACYW vaccine (Menveo, MenQuadfi, Nimenrix) in healthy patients 12 to 23 months regardless of any doses given in the first year.

If your provincial/territorial immunization schedule includes meningococcal vaccination prior to 12 months, also replace it with an age-appropriate Men-C-ACYW vaccine.

Continue to recommend Men-C-ACYW vaccination for patients 2 months and up at increased risk...such as those with asplenia, including sickle cell disease. The dosing schedule depends on age, risks, and prior vaccines.

It’s okay to give Men-C-ACYW with other routine vaccines, if needed. Data are limited but there don’t seem to be significant concerns.

Adolescents and young adults. Continue to recommend or give 1 dose of Men-C-ACYW around age 12...depending on your provincial immunization schedule.

Recommend a booster every 5 years for patients at high risk due to an underlying medical condition...asplenia, HIV, etc.

Also recommend a booster every 5 years for patients travelling to high-risk areas (sub-Saharan Africa, etc), military personnel working in high-risk situations, lab personnel at risk of exposure, etc.

Keep in mind, Men-C-ACYW vaccines are interchangeable, if needed.

But stay alert for mix-ups when ordering, prepping doses, etc.

For example, Menveo and Nimenrix require reconstitution when prepping doses...but MenQuadfi comes in a solution form. Watch for a new solution form of Menveo expected in 2027.

And be sure to choose an age-appropriate vaccine...MenQuadfi is approved for 6 weeks and older...Menveo for 2 months to 55 years...and Nimenrix from 6 weeks to 55 years.

See our Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines chart for advice on outbreaks and to compare costs, dosing schedules, and more.