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Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Short Supply

Vaccine delay recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds.

In May 2005, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for use of the newly licensed meningococcal conjugate vaccine (JWPAM Mar 14 2005 and JWPAM Nov 4 2005. Now, the ACIP has revised its recommendation to state that administration of the meningococcal vaccine should be deferred in 11- and 12-year-olds until further notice.

The vaccine manufacturer anticipates a vaccine shortage for the remainder of 2006. However, vaccination should continue for all other high-risk groups (adolescents entering high school, college freshmen living in dormitories, military recruits, travelers to endemic areas, and people with asplenia or terminal complement deficiencies).

Comment: Practitioners should develop a system for identifying patients whose vaccinations have been deferred so that they can be recalled when supplies of vaccine are available. Up-to-date information about the vaccine shortage and available supplies can be found on the CDC website. Providers can obtain information about specific orders from Sanofi Pasteur at 800-822-2463 or through VaccineShoppe.com).

— Peggy Sue Weintrub, MD

Published in Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine June 9, 2006