Consensus recommendation for meningococcal disease prevention for Hajj and Umra pilgrimage/travel medicine

ABSTRACT

The Islamic Hajj to Makkah [Mecca] has been associated with outbreaks of invasive meningpcoccal disease and the global spread of Neisseria Heningitidis 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 other 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