Document

Meningococcal disease within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Identifier
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2193120
Source
Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. v. 19, 1, 2193120
Contributors
Country
United Kingdom.
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Gregorian
2023-04-13
Language
English
English abstract
This review reports on the recent epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries (focusing from 2012 onwards), the existing immunization strategies and the potential for IMD resurgence. MenACWY vaccination is now established in infant or adolescent immunization programs in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. At present, GCC Countries do not include MenB immunization. National health surveillance reports indicate a total of 156 IMD cases reported across the GCC Countries between 2012 and 2021; between 30% and 80% of cases were reported in individuals aged ≥15 years. Lack of serogroup data hinders the assessment of vaccine impact and decision-making on additional vaccine introductions (e.g. MenB immunization). Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage and the increasing number of large-scale commercial and social events held in the GCC Countries pose a potential risk for future IMD outbreaks. Immunization policies for such events could be strengthened.
ISSN
2164-5515
Category
Journal articles

Author's Work

Journal articles
3
0
Al-Awaidy, Salah.
World Health Organization.
2018-04-01
Journal articles
5
0
Al-Awaidy, Salah.
Springer Science and Business Media B.V.
2023-04-20