Which population is considered at risk for requiring meningococcal vaccination?

Military recruits are considered at risk for requiring meningococcal vaccination due to the nature of their living conditions. Recruits often live in close quarters, which facilitates the transmission of infectious diseases, including meningococcal bacteria. The risk is heightened because outbreaks of meningococcal disease can occur in crowded environments, such as barracks. Vaccination is an important preventive measure to protect this population from potential outbreaks.

In contrast, while healthcare workers may also be at risk for various infections due to their exposure to patients, the direct need for meningococcal vaccination is not as pronounced compared to military recruits. Unvaccinated newborns are typically not at the same risk for meningococcal disease as older children and adults, and the timing for routine vaccinations for meningococcal disease begins at a later age. Pregnant women, though they may need certain vaccinations, are not the primary focus for meningococcal vaccination unless they have specific risk factors, which makes military recruits the most notable group in need of this preventive measure.