Revisión histórica de la vacunación frente a meningococo en España (1996-2021). Lecciones aprendidas

Abstract

Invasive meningococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, primarily affecting infants and adolescents. The progressive development of vaccines in the last 25 years has allowed a preventive approach to the disease through different strategies based on epidemiological changes and the availability of vaccine preparations. This paper is a historical review of the different immunoprevention strategies and their impact against EMI established between 1996 and 2021 in Spain. Currently, only vaccines have demonstrated the ability to prevent this disease. In line with the objectives established by the World Health Organization in the initiative «Defeat meningitis in the year 2030» and based on the evidence of the impact and effectiveness of current vaccines, it is necessary to incorporate new preventive measures against invasive meningococcal disease, especially in the age cohorts with the highest incidence, such as infants and adolescents.