American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

At what age should the Meningococcal vaccine be administered?

1. Age 12

2. Age 14

3. Age 16

4. Age 18

The correct answer is: Age 16

The recommended age for administering the Meningococcal vaccine, specifically the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), is typically around age 11 to 12, with a booster often recommended at age 16. The timing of the vaccine is strategically placed to offer protection during adolescence, a time when individuals are at a higher risk for meningococcal disease, particularly among those living in close quarters, such as college dormitories. The initial dose at 11 to 12 years of age serves to prime the immune system, and the booster at 16 years of age enhances and prolongs immunity as adolescents transition to higher-risk environments for the disease. Thus, while the primary vaccination starts at 11 to 12, the significant emphasis is placed on the booster at 16 years, aligning with increased susceptibility during late adolescence. Providing this vaccine well ahead of high school graduation and potential college enrollment ensures that teenagers are protected against meningococcal disease when they are most vulnerable.