The drop-off in vaccination rates between the 1st and 2nd doses of the MenACWY vaccine is a nationwide problem. Pre-pandemic, MenACWY second-dose vaccination rates were gradually increasing in adolescent patients but remained low at around 50%.1 Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt health care delivery, leading to decreases in opportunities for routine vaccinations.2
MenACWY 1st Dose Vaccination Rate in Compared With National Rate3
After several years of steady increases in meningococcal vaccination rates, data from the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 showed a noticeable decrease in many states.3 Further, the drop-off between the 1st and 2nd dose continues to be a significant challenge as many teens remain under-protected from meningococcal meningitis.3 Doctors, providers, local governments, and healthcare organizations remain committed to closing this gap by ensuring all eligible teens receive both ACIP-recommended MenACWY doses.
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While the world is moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, lasting impacts may continue to impact the healthcare industry and opportunities for routine vaccination.
Approximately more nursing positions are needed in by 20234
378,000 drop in national healthcare employment in February 2022 compared to 20205
Vaccine debates, misinformation, and disinformation are fueling fear and mistrust.6
Across the US, in 2021, claims for MenACWY vaccination were 25,431 doses behind those seen prior to the pandemic.7 The COVID-19 pandemic’s continual impact upon routine adolescent care may be contributing to the continued decline in MenACWY claims.† Many teens could be behind on this important vaccine.
Reflects private insurance claims only.
†MenACWY claims includes both doses or specific age groups.
References: 1. Walker TY, Elam-Evans LD, Yankey D, et al. National, regional, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years–United States, 2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68(33):718-723. 2. Skolnik A, Bhatti A, Larson A, Mitrovich R. Silent consequences of COVID-19: why it’s critical to recover routine vaccination rates through equitable vaccine policies and practices. Ann Fam Med. 2021;19(6):527–531 3. 2019 adolescent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccination coverage dashboard. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated August 14, 2020. Accessed May 18, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/teenvaxview/data-reports/menacwy/dashboard/2019.html 4. Koonin LM, Hoots B, Tsang CA, et al. Trends in the use of telehealth during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic–United States, January-March 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(43):1595-1599. 5. Corallo B, Rudowitz R.Analysis of recent national trends in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment. Published April 8, 2021. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/analysis-of-recent-national-trends-in-medicaid-and-chip-enrollment/ 6. Unemployment rate rises to record high 14.7 percent in April 2020. The Economics Daily. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. Published May 13, 2020. Accessed February 23, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/unemployment-rate-rises-to-record-high-14-point-7-percent-in-april-2020.htm?view_full 7. Data on file. Sanofi Pasteur Inc.