TABLE 2
Recommended schedule for meningococcal conjugate vaccine in those ≥2 years, according to risk9
| Risk group | Primary vaccination series | Booster dose |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals ages 11-18 years | 1 dose, preferably at 11 or 12 years | At age 16 years, if primary dose given at age 11 or 12 years Age 16-18 years, if primary dose given at age 13-15 years No booster needed if primary dose given on or after age 16 years |
| Individuals ages 11-18 years infected with HIV | 2 doses, 2 months apart | |
| Individuals ages 2-55 years with persistent complement component deficiency (eg, C5–C9, properdin, or factor D) or functional or anatomical asplenia | 2 doses, 2 months apart | Every 5 years At the earliest opportunity if only 1 primary dose; every 5 years thereafter |
| Individuals ages 2-55 years with prolonged increased risk for exposure, such as microbiologists routinely working with Neisseria meningitides, and travelers to, or residents of, countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic | 1 dose | After 3 years, if primary dose given at age 2-6 years After 5 years, if primary dose given at ≥7 years and the individual remains at risk Every 5 years thereafter, as long as the risk persists |
| HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. | ||
Herpes zoster vaccine
The herpes zoster vaccine was initially licensed for those 60 years and older. Last year the FDA approved lowering the age to 50 years and older. At this time, however, the ACIP continues to recommend that the vaccine be used routinely starting at age 60 years. The age was not lowered because of a concern about vaccine supply and the uncertainty about the possible need for a booster dose if administered at age 50.10
Influenza vaccine
As described in a previous Practice Alert,11 a history of egg allergy is no longer a strict contraindication for receipt of the influenza vaccine. The other major adjustment is a simplified recommendation on how to determine the required number of doses for a child younger than 9 years. If the child received 1 or both doses of the 2010-2011 vaccine, give just a single dose of the 2011-2012 vaccine. If the history is uncertain, give 2 doses of the new vaccine at least 4 weeks apart.12