Meningococcal vaccines

For vaccination in special situations
  • Recommended only for certain high-risk group of children, during outbreaks, and international travelers, including students going for study abroad and travelers to Hajj and sub-Sahara Africa.
  • Both Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Quadrivalent MenACWY-D, Menactra® by Sanofi Pasteur and Menveo by GSK) and polysaccharide vaccines (bi- and quadrivalent) are licensed in India.
  • Conjugate vaccines are preferred over polysaccharide vaccines due to their potential for herd protection and their increased immunogenicity, particularly in children <2 years of age.
  • Schedules: Menveo: single dose > 2 years, Menactra: 9-23 months- 2 doses at least 3 months apart. Boosters every 5 years if there is continued risk of exposure.
  • The polysaccharide vaccines (bi- and quadrivalent) are recommended in children > 2 years of age.

In high-risk groups: 2 doses 8 weeks apart, booster every 5 years.

If 1st dose was administered before 7 years: booster after 3 years and every 5 years subsequently