Meningococcal vaccine

Question 1

Almost all childhood meningococcal disease in the UK is caused by which two serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 1

B and C

Question 2

What is the name of the meningococcal group B vaccine that is recommended in the immunisation schedule?

Answer 2

Bexsero

Contains 3 recombinant Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B proteins (broad protection against Neisseria meningtidis serogroup B)

Trumenba is also licensed but not recommended in immunisation schedule as it contains 2 recombinant Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B proteins

Question 3

At what ages are the two doses of the meningococcal group C conjugate vaccines given?

Answer 3

1. 12 months of age (Haemophilus influenzae type b with meningococcal group C vaccine)
2. 13-15 years of age (meningococcal groups A with C and W135 and Y vaccine)

Question 4

The first dose of the meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine is given at the age of 12 months. What other bacteria does this vaccine offer protection from?

Answer 4

Haemophilus influenzae type b

Question 5

Which serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis does the vaccine given to individuals aged 13-15 years give protection from? (4)

Answer 5

A with C and W135 and Y

Question 6

According to the immunisation schedule, at what ages do children receive the meningococcal group B vaccine? (3)

Answer 6

1. 2 months
2. 4 months
3. 12 months

Question 7

If a child (aged under 23 months) is not immunised against meningococcal group B according to the immunisation schedule, what is the minimum time interval between each dose of the vaccine?

Answer 7

2 months interval between each dose of the meningococcal group B vaccine

If aged under 12 months when receiving the first dose they will receive 3 doses

If aged 12-23 months when receiving the first dose, they will receive 2 doses

Question 8

If an unimmunised child aged 2-9 years presents for immunisation against meningococcal, which vaccines should be given and when? (2)

Answer 8

1. Haemophilus influenzae type b with meningococcal group C vaccine (at presentation)
2. Booster dose of meningococcal groups A with C and W135 and Y vaccine at 13-15 years of age

Question 9

If an unimmunised individual aged 10-25 present for immunisation against meningococcal, which vaccine should be given?

Answer 9

Single dose of meningococcal groups A with C and W135 and Y vaccine

NO booster dose is given

Question 10

What should you offer an immunised patient (previously had the meningococcal group C vaccine) aged under 25 years with confirmed serogroup C meningococcal disease prior to discharge from hospital?

Answer 10

Meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (meningogoccal groups A with C and W135 and Y conjugate vaccine)

Question 11

If a patient has previously received the meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine, do they require another meningococcal groups A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine if travelling to a country of risk for meningococcal?

Answer 11

YES

Question 12

For those travelling to Saudi Arabia furin the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, proof of which vaccination is required?

Answer 12

Meningococcal groups A with C and W135 and Y vaccine

Outbreaks of the W135 strain have occurred

Question 13

Immunisation with the meningococcal groups A with C and W135 and Y vaccine is recommended and may be required for visa entry to countries within which 3 regions?

Answer 13

Sub-Saharan Africa
Asia
Indian subcontinent

Epidemics of meningococcal outbreaks and infection are reported in these regions