Studies with combined meningococcal vaccines

Abstract

Two hundred and six Nigerian children aged between three and 18 months were immunized with a combined group A + group C meningococcal polysaccharide, measles and tetanus vaccine. A good response was obtained to the tetanus component of the vaccine. Maximum seroconversion to the measles component of the vaccine was observed in children aged 9–11 months. The antibody response to the meningococcal polysaccharide components of the vaccine, measured by both haemagglutination and radioimmunoassay, was poor and transitory. The duration of the antibody response to these polysaccharides was not enhanced by a booster injection of group A+group C meningococcal polysaccharide given one month after immunization with the combined vaccine.