On January 28, 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it was expanding the adolescent meningococcal vaccination recommendation to include a booster.

CDC now recommends vaccination for all 11-12 year-olds, with a booster dose at age 16. For those who receive the first dose at 13 through 15 years of age, a booster is recommended at 16 through 18. CDC suggests that adolescents receive the vaccine less than five years before starting college.

This is an important public health decision that will protect our children from meningococcal disease. The National Meningitis Association looks forward to supporting this recommendation as well as the rest of the adolescent immunization platform through our education and outreach programs.