Meningococcal cases rise as CDC narrows teen vaccine recommendation

Doctors report that meningococcal cases have increased since 2021, and they warn the CDC's move to recommend meningococcal vaccines only for high-risk groups could reduce adolescent vaccination rates.

Meningococcal disease cases in the United States have risen since 2021, according to infectious disease specialists. After the CDC recommended routine adolescent meningococcal vaccination in 2005, reported cases fell sharply. Under new guidance from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC is no longer recommending the meningococcal vaccine for all adolescents and instead recommends it for specified high-risk groups. Doctors say declining booster uptake and the guidance change have raised concerns about future illness. Key facts: - The CDC began recommending meningococcal vaccination for 11- and 12-year-olds in 2005; reported cases dropped by about 90% after that recommendation. - Since 2021 cases have climbed, and a 2024 CDC alert reported more than 500 invasive meningococcal cases, the highest number since 2013; many were linked to a Y serogroup strain. - The new federal guidance shifts universal recommendation to a high-risk focus; vaccination can still be offered through "shared clinical decision making." - Infectious disease doctors and public health experts have warned that lower booster rates and the change in recommendation could affect future disease burden. Summary: Health experts note the policy change comes as meningococcal cases and a particular Y-strain have increased. They have expressed concern that reduced routine recommendations, together with falling booster coverage, could influence future illness and deaths. Undetermined at this time.