Recommendations of the Polish Paediatric Society, the Polish Society of Vaccinology, and the Polish Society of Family Medicine on meningococcal vaccinations in children and adults in Poland

Abstract

Invasive meningococcal disease is a dangerous bacterial infection that often leads to death or permanent disability. Immunization is the best strategy to protect individuals against invasive infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The effectiveness of vaccines has been demonstrated in many countries where they have been introduced into national vaccination programs. Meningococcal vaccinations in Poland are recommended in the framework of the National Immunization Program. However, they are not reimbursed, meaning the patient or parent covers vaccination costs. In addition, insufficient public awareness of the disease course and risks associated with meningococcal infection, the need for immunization in the first year of a child's life, the number of doses administered, and the price of the vaccines are barriers to the acceptance and implementation of meningococcal immunization, especially in the youngest children. Recommendations for physicians implementing meningococcal vaccination in children and adults are the result of the work of an expert group.

The Influence of Introducing Free Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae on the Uptake of Recommended Vaccination in Poland

“…For many years in Poland, the majority of cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been caused by type B bacteria [ 43 ]. Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for adults and children, with an emphasis on starting vaccination as early as possible, as meningococci are more dangerous the younger a child is [ 44 ]. The present study showed that the use of paid pneumococcal vaccination was associated with more frequent vaccination against meningococcal C infection and, more broadly, A, C, W135, and Y infection, as these types were part of the polyvalent vaccine used fairly frequently.…”