Mandated, Highly Recommended, and Other Vaccines for Oral Healthcare Personnel
Course Number: 479
Course Contents
Meningococcal Disease
Neisseria meningitidis or meningococcus (serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W-135) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis. The infection is highly contagious and is spread by airborne droplets and contact with respiratory secretions. Meningococcal meningitis occurs when *N. meningitidis* from an upper respiratory tract infection enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. "Hallmark" signs and symptoms include headache, fever and a stiff neck.47
Active Immunization: Meningococcal Vaccines 4,6,48
Three quadrivalent vaccines against N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W0135 two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, and a pentavalent or Men ABCWY vaccine are available (Table 8). Vaccination is not recommended for an OHCP unless they have a certain risk: 1) asplenia or persistent complement component deficiencies, 2) travel to countries in which meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, 3) participate in research OHCP and research microbiologists who might be exposed routinely to isolates of N. meningitides, or 4) any OHCP aged >55 years who have any of the aforementioned risk factors for meningococcal disease are recommended for vaccination. A booster can be administered per recommended schedule for any individual at risk. This interval varies for each vaccine.48
Table 8. Meningococcal Vaccines48
| Vaccines | Indications | Schedules | Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
ACWY
Menveo | Preexposure | 1 IM for adults* | Redness, induration, and pain, at the site of injection. Headache, fatigue, and malaise. |
Serogroup B Trumenba | Preexposure | 3 IM doses, 0 1-2, and 6 months.† 2 IM doses, 0 ≥1month.† | Erythema, induration, and pain at the site of injection. Headache, fatigue, and myalgia |
MenABCWY Penbraya | Preexposure | 2 IM doses, 0, 6 months | Erythema, pain at the site of injection. Headache, fatigue, and myalgia, chills. |
| * Revaccination every 3-4 years if risk criteria persist. † Single dose boost at 1 year post-initial series and every 2-3 years thereafter if risk criteria persist. | |||