What is the minimum age for administering the meningococcal vaccine, and when is it routinely recommended?

• A. Eleven to twelve years
• B. Two years
• C. Five years
• D. Eighteen years

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that meningococcal vaccination for routine protection is timed for early adolescence. The minimum age for routine administration is eleven to twelve years old, with a booster at around sixteen to maintain protection into late adolescence. This schedule aims to cover the period when the risk of meningococcal disease rises in teens, especially in settings like dormitories. Catch-up vaccination is recommended if missed, up to late adolescence. Some high-risk situations or specific vaccine brands can begin earlier, but the standard routine recommendation is at eleven to twelve years.