Efficacy Group C of Meningoccocal Polisacaride Vaccine

Abstract

Background:This report is a systematic review of the effect, intensity and duration of the immune response to meningococcal serogroup C vaccine. The vaccine safety, efficacy and effectiveness are also analized. Methods:MEDLINE literature search in the period 1970-1996. Meningoccocal polysaccharide vaccine clinical trials and human prospective studies were specificaly searched. Quality of the retrieved studies were analized. Information available was integrated. Results:Group C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is a safe product. Its efficacy is over 85% among adults and children over 5 years old, 70% (CI 95%: 5-91%) under 5 years old, and 55% among children 2-3 years old. The vaccine is not effective under 2 years.The duration of protective antibody levels decrease with age.The proportion of vaccinated children effectively protected one year after vaccination is low. Vaccination does not affect the immune response to ulterior revaccination. Conclusions: Group C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is indicated in adults and children over 2 years old to protect them from meningococcal disease due to group C when exposed to high risk of infection. The outbreaks control is the main indication for the use of this vaccine. Routine immunization in not outbreak situation is not recommended due to the small vaccine protection in children under 2 years old, the limited efficacy in chidren under 5, and the short duration of the immunity in children.