Objective: To discuss the role of meningococcal vaccine in prevention of meningococcal disease.
Data sources: A MEDLINE search (1966-June 2001) was performed to identify key literature. Search terms included, but were not limited to, meningococcal vaccines, meningococcal meningitis, meningococcal infection, and meningococcus. The search was limited to English-language literature and references dealing with humans. The MEDLINE search was supplemented by a hand search of various bibliographies.
Data synthesis: The impact of meningococcal disease has caused national and regional organizations to develop recommendations for use of meningococcal vaccine. Even though the meningococcal vaccine can provide benefit, limitations exist. The available vaccine does not cover all meningococcal strains and is not useful in all age groups. The appropriate target groups for prevention of disease through vaccination have been difficult to determine; vaccine use in college students is especially controversial.
Conclusions: Although a meningococcal vaccine is available, meningococcus causes significant morbidity and mortality. Controversy exists over the meningococcal vaccine and its use. Students entering college who will be living in dormitories should be informed of the increased risk of meningococcal disease and be offered vaccination.