Meningococcal vaccine
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine · IAP (risk-based)
| When to give | Risk-based / outbreak / travel (e.g. Hajj). |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5 mL IM. Quadrivalent A,C,Y,W-135 conjugate (Menactra: conj. to diphtheria toxoid; Menveo: to CRM197). Pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X-conjugate (MenFive): 5 µg each serogroup; A & X to TT, C/W/Y to CRM197. |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Deltoid (≥12 mo) / anterolateral thigh (<12 mo) |
| Schedule / interval | 9–23 mo: 2 doses 3 months apart. 24 mo–55 yr: single dose. MenFive: single dose (licensed 18–85 yr in India). |
Catch-up schedule
For ongoing meningococcal exposure, boosters every 5 years.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Local pain/redness; low-grade fever, malaise. No extra GBS risk. MenFive rarely anaphylaxis. Effectiveness ~80–85%.
Brands available in India
Menactra (Sanofi), Menveo (GSK), MenFive (pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X — SII)
Special considerations
Recommended only in SPECIAL situations — asplenia, complement deficiency, HIV, travellers (Hajj), hostel/dormitory entrants, outbreaks. MenFive contraindicated if hypersensitive to TT or CRM197. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
Sources
- IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 (Indian Pediatrics 2026)
- IAP Purple Book 2025, 5th edition