National Meningitis Association Statement on Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vote

ATLANTA, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 27, 2010, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to expand the adolescent meningococcal vaccination recommendation to include a booster. Routine vaccination at age 11-12 years continues to be recommended with a booster dose at age 16. For adolescents who are first vaccinated between 13 and 15 years of age, a booster dose is recommended 5 years after the first dose through age 21.

NMA Statement:

The National Meningitis Association supports ACIP's decision to maintain meningococcal immunization at age 11-12 and to add a booster dose to provide increased prevention of disease among adolescents throughout their high-risk years. This is a good public health decision that will protect our children from meningococcal disease.

We looked forward to supporting this recommendation as well as the adolescent immunization platform through our education and outreach programs.

SOURCE National Meningitis Association