Need for Invasive Meningococcal Disease Prevention Through Vaccination for Young Children in the Americas.

Background

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition, resulting in life-long sequelae or death in up to 20% of cases. Most IMD cases are caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (Men) A, B, C, W, X, and Y. The highest IMD incidence is among children < 5 years of age (YOA). We reviewed IMD epidemiology data and existing national immunization programs (NIP) in the Americas and identify unmet needs to decrease IMD burden in young children.

Methods

Using national surveillance data and published literature from 2006 to 2024, we evaluated the IMD burden and national vaccination strategies for children < 5 YOA in the Americas, focusing on Canada, the United States, Brazil, Chile, Argentina.

Results

The highest IMD incidence was among infants, followed by children 1-4 YOA, with MenB infections predominating in both age groups. Chile has both MenACWY (2014) and MenB (2023) infant vaccination in its NIP. Argentina and Brazil's NIPs include MenACWY (2017) and MenC (2010) vaccinations for infants, respectively. In Canada, MenC (2002) vaccination is recommended at 1 YOA (replaced by MenACWY in 2024 in Manitoba); MenB vaccination is selectively recommended. In each country, the incidence of IMD caused by vaccine-preventable serogroups decreased following the introduction of the respective meningococcal vaccination in the NIP.

Conclusions

Comprehensive meningococcal vaccination programs in the Americas have the potential to reduce the IMD burden in children < 5 YOA. National recommendations and NIPs could reduce IMD burden by offering equitable access to protection against IMD, aligning with the WHO roadmap to defeat meningitis by 2030.