Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 6, Number 1, January 2000

Authors: Mark V Rubertone; John F Brundage; Yvette E Smith; Kimmie F Kohlhase; Robert F DeFraite; ARMED FORCES HEALTH SURVEILLANCE CENTER SILVER SPRING MD

Abstract:

During much of the twentieth century (especially during mobilizations for war), there were frequent large outbreaks of meningococcal (MGC) disease among US soldiers. Soldiers in recruit camps were particularly affected. In the late 1960s, researchers from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research developed a monovalent (serogroup C) MGC vaccine. By the fall of 1971, all enlisted soldiers in the US Army were receiving serogroup C MGC vaccine during the first few days of their military service. The antigenic components of routinely administered MGC vaccines changed several times between 1971 and 1982. Since 1982, the current tetravalent (serogroups A,C,Y,W135) vaccine has been consistently used. This report summarizes the hospitalization experience of US Army personnel in relation to MGC disease from 1964 (prior to the availability of vaccine) to 1998.

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APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE