In November 1999 Meningitec (Meningococcal serogroup C oligosaccharide conjugate vaccine, adsorbed), the Meningitis C conjugate vaccine, was introduced into the UK’s infant immunisation programme. All children and adolescents under the age of 18 years were immunised over a two-year period.

In January 2002, the campaign was extended to include all adults under 25 years of age.

Dramatic fall in Meningitis C

Following the Meningitis C vaccine campaign, the number of laboratory-confirmed group C cases fell by over 90% in all age groups immunised. Cases in other age groups fell by approximately two-thirds as a result of reduced carriage rates and indirect protection.

In 2006, following the review of study data which showed that protection against meningococcal group C waned during the second year of life a booster dose (combined with Hib as Hib/MenC) was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme at 12 months of age. 

In the UK Meningitec is not currently part of the national immunisation programme. Alternative meningococcal C vaccines are being used.

Summary of Product Characteristics can be found on electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) click here to view.