Effectiveness of a mass immunization campaign against serogroup C meningococcal disease in Quebec

Context An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Quebec province prompted a mass immunization program. The impact of this campaign on the epidemiology of meningococcal disease has not been studied. Objectives To study the impact of a mass immunization campaign using polysa ccharide vaccine on the epidemiology of meningococcal disease (MCD) and to assess serogroup C vaccine effectiveness IVE), Design, setting, and Subjects Analysis of MCD cases reported in Quebec from 1990 to 1998, before and after the mass immunization campaign was conducte d during the winter of 1992-1993, when 84% of residents aged 6 months to 20 years (the target population, approximately 1.9 million individuals) were vaccinated, Main Outcome Measures Incidence of MCD in 1990-1998; incidence of culture-p roven serogroup C MCD between April 1, 1993, and March 31, 1998, compared a mong vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in the target population. Results The incidence of serogroup C disease decreased after the mass immun ization campaign, from 1.4 per 100000 in 1990-1992 to 0.3 per 100000 in 199 3-1998, and the overall incidence of other serogroups remained stable at 0. 7 per 100000, with a small increase in the proportion of cases caused by se rogroup Y (P=.009). Protection from serogroup C MCD was indicated in the fi rst 2 years after vaccine administration (VE, 65%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20%-84%), but not in the next 3 years (VE, 0%; 95% CI, -5% to 65%), V accine effectiveness was strongly related to age at vaccination: 83% (95% C I, 39%-96%) for ages 15 through 20 years, 75% (95% CI,- 17% to 93%) for age s 10 through 14 years, and 41% (95% CI, -106% to 79%) for ages 2 through 9 years. There was no evidence of protection in children younger than 2 years ; all 8 MCD cases in this age group occurred in vaccinees. Conclusions Serogroup C polysaccharide vaccine is effective for controlling outbreaks in teenaged individuals but should not be used in children young er than 2 years. The mass campaign did not induce significant serogroup swi tching.