Use of meningococcal vaccines in the United States.

In January 2005, Food and Drug Administration licensed a new tetravalent (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) meningococcal conjugate vaccine ([MCV4] Menactra) for use in persons 11-55 years of age. In February 2005, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine vaccination of adolescents and college freshmen living in dormitories with MCV4. The manufacturer started shipments of MCV4 in March 2005. MCV4 should become a key addition to existing meningococcal disease prevention measures.