meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Meningococcal conjugate vaccines are active immunizing agents used to prevent infection by *Neisseria meningitidis*, specifically targeting serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. These vaccines are composed of capsular polysaccharides from the bacteria covalently linked (conjugated) to a carrier protein such as diphtheria toxoid or CRM197. This design induces a T-cell dependent immune response that results in strong immunologic memory and antibody persistence even in young children. Meningococcal conjugate vaccines provide protection against life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and septicemia caused by *N. meningitidis*. They also reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of the bacteria and can induce herd immunity within populations[4][5][8]. The primary indication is prevention of invasive disease due to *N. meningitidis* serogroups A/C/W/Y; they do not protect against group B disease[4][8]. These vaccines are recommended for routine use in adolescents as well as individuals at increased risk due to medical conditions or exposure risk[1][3].

Brand names

MenactraMenveoMenQuadfiMenAfriVac

Other names

meningococcal (groups A, C, Y and W-135) oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM197 conjugate vaccinequadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine