Is the MenACWY (Meningococcal ACWY) Vaccine Required for Immigration?
Quick Answer
Yes. The MenACWY vaccine is required for immigration applicants in age groups for which ACIP makes a routine recommendation. This includes adolescents aged 11–18 and certain high-risk adults. College-age applicants may also need a booster dose.
MenACWY Vaccine Requirement for Immigration
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Meningococcal disease can cause bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections that can be rapidly fatal. ACIP recommends MenACWY for all adolescents at age 11–12, with a booster at age 16. For immigration purposes, applicants in these age groups are required to have received MenACWY.
Age Requirements for MenACWY
ACIP routinely recommends MenACWY for: adolescents aged 11–12 (first dose), adolescents aged 16 (booster dose), and certain high-risk groups at any age. For immigration purposes, applicants aged 11–18 who have not received MenACWY will need to receive it. Applicants who received their first dose at age 11–12 and are now 16 or older may need a booster if they have not yet received one.
Booster Requirements for College-Age Applicants
College students living in dormitories are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. ACIP recommends that college freshmen living in dormitories who have not received MenACWY since age 16 receive a booster dose. For immigration applicants who are college-age (approximately 18–21) and plan to live in dormitories, the civil surgeon will assess whether a booster is needed based on their vaccination history.
High-Risk Adults
Certain adults are routinely recommended to receive MenACWY regardless of age, including those with complement component deficiencies, those taking complement inhibitors, those with asplenia or sickle cell disease, microbiologists routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, travelers to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease, and individuals at increased risk during outbreaks. For these high-risk groups, MenACWY is required for immigration.
MenACWY vs. MenB: Different Vaccines
MenACWY and MenB are different vaccines that protect against different serogroups of meningococcal bacteria. Having MenACWY does not satisfy the MenB requirement, and vice versa. If you are in an age group for which both vaccines are recommended, you may need both. The civil surgeon will assess your complete meningococcal vaccination history.
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