February 20, 2011

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC now recommend a booster dose of the Menactra vaccine.

Sewickley Valley Pediatrics will be giving dose # 1 at the 11 year physical exam and the booster dose at the 16 year physical examination.

For patients not previously vaccinated, one (1) dose at age 13 through 18 will be given.

If the first dose of Menactra was given at age 13-15 years, the booster dose should be given at age 16-18 years with a minimum of three (3) years apart.

Any college freshman who is unvaccinated, should receive one dose.

Please be advised that your insurance company may or may not cover this booster dose. As always, it is patient/parent responsibility to know your coverage and deductible requirements. If your insurance is not covering the booster dose yet, we encourage you to express your concern directly to the Insurance carrier.