Meningococcal (groups A and C) polysaccharide vaccine

Meningococcal (groups A and C) polysaccharide vaccine is a bivalent, non-conjugated bacterial vaccine composed of purified capsular polysaccharides from *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroups A and C. It works by inducing the production of antibodies against these specific serogroups, providing active immunization to prevent invasive diseases such as meningitis and septicemia caused by *Neisseria meningitidis*. The mechanism of action involves stimulating an immune response specifically targeting the bacterial capsule. This type of plain (non-conjugate) polysaccharide vaccine does not generate long-term immune memory but provides short-term protection with high efficacy in older children and adults. The first versions were developed in the 1970s for use among military recruits in response to epidemics[6]. These vaccines have been largely replaced or supplemented by conjugate vaccines due to improved immunogenicity in young children[5][6].

Other names

meningococcal A and C polysaccharide vaccinebivalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine