Final answer:
The nurse should identify that infants, elderly individuals over 65, and pregnant women all should receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it is important for preventing infection across various age groups and in different settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse planning to teach about the meningococcal vaccine should identify that all of the above listed groups should receive the vaccine. This includes infants under 1 year old, elderly individuals over 65 years old, and pregnant women. The vaccine is a key prevention strategy against N. meningitidis, a pathogen that can cause severe infections and is most prevalent among certain age groups and settings. Infants are particularly at risk because they lose maternal antibodies around one year of age. Adults may need it if they are in a crowded setting or at increased risk due to health conditions or age. Pregnant women are often recommended to get vaccinated to protect both the mother and the baby from potential infections.
Meningococcal meningitis can cause outbreaks in communities, hence vaccination is recommended for people in close contact environments like schools and colleges. The CDC specifically recommends vaccination for children between 11-12 years old, with a booster at age 16, or in high-risk environments like college dormitories. Moreover, vaccination is advisable for travelers to regions with high prevalence, such as the 'meningitis belt' in sub-Saharan Africa.