Vaccination against meningococci: new recommendations | Health Harmony

Table of Contents

• 1 The dangers of meningococci
• 2 How are meningococci transmitted?
• 3 What are the symptoms of these diseases caused by meningococci?
• 4 Different vaccines to protect against meningococci
• 5 New recommendations for vaccination against meningococci
  • 5.1 For vaccination against meningococci groups A, C, W and Y
  • 5.2 For vaccination against group B meningococcus
• 6 What about adults over 25?
• 7 **Given the risk of meningococcal disease even in people who don’t show⁢ symptoms, what are the practical steps individuals can take to minimize their risk of contracting or spreading the bacteria?**

The dangers of meningococci

Meningococci can cause serious diseases, including meningitis, which is an inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord. These bacteria of the genus Neisseria meningitidis are responsible for about a quarter of bacterial meningitis in France, but they can also cause serious invasive diseases, such as blood infections.

In France, meningococci caused 560 cases of invasive disease in 2023, an increase of 72% compared to 2022. There are several groups of meningococci, the strongest of which are groups A, B, C, W, , and Y, which can cause epidemics, especially in children and young adults.

How are meningococci transmitted?

Meningococci are transmitted mainly through close contact with a person who carries the bacteria, often through droplets of saliva that are spread when they cough, sneeze or kiss. Approximately 10% of the population, especially adolescents and young adults, are healthy carriers of these bacteriathat is, they harbor them in their throat or nose without developing symptoms.

The risk arises when bacteria, under certain conditions, cross the mucous membrane of the nose and enter the blood, where it can cause serious diseases such as meningitis or septicemia.

What are the symptoms of these diseases caused by meningococci?

Invasive meningococcal diseases are serious illnesses that can affect anyone, but they especially affect young children, adolescents, young adults, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.

Among these diseases, Meningitis is one of the most commonmanifested by typical symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light. However, symptoms can be different, especially in very young children or elderly people.

In addition, meningococcal septicemia is a general disease where the bacteria spreads through the blood and affects different organs. The most severe form of this disease is purpura fulminans, which can lead to a rapid decline in health and is manifested by the appearance of red or purple spots on the skin.

Invasive meningococcal infections are life-threatening emergencies which requires immediate treatment. They can lead to a rapid deterioration of the general condition and cause serious problems, even fatal, if not treated promptly. Facing these symptoms, it is essential to call 15 immediately or talk to your doctor to receive emergency treatment.

Different vaccines to protect against meningococci

There are three main types of vaccines to protect against invasive meningococcal disease.

• The aim of vaccination is the first group C meningococcus onlyhistorically given routinely to infants (Neisvac® or Menjugate®).
• The second vaccine is intended for prevention diseases caused by group B meningococcuswhich remains one of the leading causes of severe bacterial meningitis, especially in young children. Until now, this vaccine, called Bexsero®, was recommended, but it is not mandatory for babies aged 3 months and older.
• Finally, the third type of vaccine (Nimenrix®, Menquadfi™ or Menveo®) offers protection against four groups of meningococci (A, C, W, and Y)which, until now, was not included in routine vaccination recommendations for the general population in France.

New recommendations for vaccination against meningococci

For vaccination against meningococci groups A, C, W and Y

The new recommendations for vaccination against meningococci in France aim to address the emerging health risks posed by these bacteria. After a lull seen during the pandemic due to restrictive measures, the data collected in 2022/2023 shows active resumption of meningococci circulation in the country.

Although invasive diseases associated with group C meningococcus have become rarer, largely due to mandatory vaccination of infants, a worrying increase in diseases associated with groups W and Y has been noted. These types, especially group W, were found to be very violent, with a higher risk of mortality.

To respond to this new threat, the vaccine that only protects against meningococcus group C (1) will be replaced by a vaccine that also covers groups A, W and Y, and will therefore be mandatory for infants under the age of one year. This decision is aimed at expanding the protection of young people against these dangerous strains which, until now, has not been systematically targeted by a standard vaccine. The new recommendations indicate that for infants who have already received the first dose of meningococcal C vaccine, it is possible to continue the vaccination schedule by giving the ACWY booster vaccine, instead of the second dose planned against group C there is no need to start the entire vaccination schedule from the beginning.

Vaccination against meningococci A, C, W and Y is extended to adolescents aged 11 to 14, regardless of whether they were vaccinated against type C in infancy, with the potential for infection in young adults up to at 24 years of age. .
As for children aged 1 to 10 years, it is not necessary to vaccinate them outside the existing protocols, except in special circumstances (immunized children, etc.).

By changing the vaccination protocol, health authorities hope to reduce the spread of these meningococci and reduce the number of serious cases, especially among infants, who are particularly at risk of these diseases.

For vaccination against group B meningococcus

The vaccine, previously recommended but not mandatory, will be compulsory for all babies from January 2025 (1). This decision was made by health authorities to strengthen protection against meningococci B, which are the main cause of invasive diseases and meningitis, especially in babies and very young children.

Although adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 are more affected than the rest of the population, they are less susceptible to meningococcus group B than children under the age of 5 years. Here’s why health authorities have not considered it necessary to recommend vaccination against meningococcus B to all young peopleunlike types W and Y. However, the High Health Authority recommends that the meningococcus B vaccine be reimbursed for young people aged 15 to 24 who still want to be vaccinated get

What about adults over 25?

For those outside the age groups mentioned above, vaccination is not routinely recommended. But, may be considered in high risk situationsas for immunocompromised people, those using high-risk professions (such as laboratory researchers working on meningitis), travelers going to regions where meningococci are active circulating, or even for those who have been in close contact with people with invasive meningococcal disease. In these cases, it is advisable to contact your doctor to find out if vaccination is necessary.

(1) An order is being prepared to introduce a date (which should be January 1, 2025) of the new vaccination obligations proposed by the High Health Authority.