Author/Authors :
Shibl, A. King Saud University - Department of Microbiology, Saudi Arabia , Shibl, A. Alfaisal University - College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Tufenkeji, H. King Faisal Specialist Hospital Research Centre, Saudi Arabia , Khalil, M. Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia , Memish, Z. Alfaisal University - College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Memish, Z. Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia , Meningococcal Leadership Forum (MLF) Expert Group
Abstract :
The Islamic Hajj to Makkah (Mecca) has been associated with outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease and the global spread of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135. For Hajj pilgrims the quadrivalent vaccination against serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y is a mandatory requirement. Novel conjugate vaccines may provide benefits for the community by reduction of carriage. With the introduction of the new generation of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menveo, Menactra, and others pending license) and their recent implementation in Saudi Arabia, experts from 11 countries in the Middle East region met at a Meningococcal Leadership Forum (MLF), in Dubai in May 2010 to exchange opinions on meningococcal disease and prevention strategies. These experts discussed the importance of introducing conjugate vaccines for pilgrims and travellers, and elaborated a consensus recommendation to support healthcare professionals and decision- makers.
