Temporary change in MCV4 recommendations

Sanofi-Pasteur, manufacturer of the meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (MCV4), has announced a shortage of the vaccine that will last at least through the summer of 2006. Due to the limited supply, CDC is now recommending that providers immunize only adolescents at high school entry who have not previously received MCV4 as well as college freshman living in dormitories. According to the manufacturer, there will be adequate supply to meet demand in these groups. The routine vaccination of children aged 11-12 years with MCV4 should be suspended until the supply improves, according to CDC. The agency recommends that providers track patients who will not be vaccinated, so they may be called back at a later time. Other groups at high risk for meningitis, such as military recruits, should also continue to be vaccinated.

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