Question

A nurse is planning to teach a community group about the meningococcal vaccine. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients should receive the vaccine?

A.) Adolescents entering college dormitories.

B.) Adults with a history of seasonal allergies.

C.) Individuals with a common cold.

D.) Pregnant women in their first trimester.

Answer 1

Adolescents entering college dormitories should receive the meningococcal vaccine due to the high risk of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks in these close living quarters.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meningococcal vaccine should be administered to specific high-risk groups to prevent the spread of meningococcal meningitis. Based on the information provided, the group that should receive the vaccine is adolescents entering college dormitories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccination of first-year college students living in dormitories, as they are at increased risk for meningococcal outbreaks due to close living quarters. The vaccine protects against the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which causes epidemic meningitis cases on college campuses. Routine vaccination is recommended for children at 11-12 years of age with a booster at age 16, and additional boosters or injections may be given in high-risk settings, which includes college dormitories.