Which statement correctly describes the adolescent meningococcal vaccination schedule?

Which statement correctly describes the adolescent meningococcal vaccination schedule?

• A. One dose at 11-12 years followed by a booster at 16 years.
• B. A single dose at 11-12 years with no booster.
• C. Two-dose series at 11-12 years with a booster at 18 years.
• D. Vaccination is not recommended for adolescents.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is protecting adolescents through the period of highest risk by timing a booster to maintain immunity during late adolescence. The standard approach uses a meningococcal conjugate vaccine given once at about 11–12 years old, with a booster dose at around 16 years. Immunity from the initial dose can wane over several years, and risk of meningococcal disease increases in high school and college settings where people live in close quarters. Administering a booster at 16 restores protection during that vulnerable time. A single dose without a booster would leave waning protection before college years, while alternative timing or extra doses outside the recommended schedule aren’t aligned with current routine guidance. Vaccination is recommended for adolescents, with separate schedules applying if a MenB vaccine is considered.

The key idea is protecting adolescents through the period of highest risk by timing a booster to maintain immunity during late adolescence. The standard approach uses a meningococcal conjugate vaccine given once at about 11–12 years old, with a booster dose at around 16 years. Immunity from the initial dose can wane over several years, and risk of meningococcal disease increases in high school and college settings where people live in close quarters. Administering a booster at 16 restores protection during that vulnerable time. A single dose without a booster would leave waning protection before college years, while alternative timing or extra doses outside the recommended schedule aren’t aligned with current routine guidance. Vaccination is recommended for adolescents, with separate schedules applying if a MenB vaccine is considered.