Meningitis global emergency vaccine stockpile
Number of doses available in the global emergency stockpile of meningococcal vaccines
About
During meningitis outbreaks, fast and equitable access to vaccines is key to an effective response. Different types of vaccines with different indications, and covering different serogroups are included in the stockpile to ensure the broadest possible coverage. The stockpile has been established to allow for rapid response, because the production and delivery lead time for countries to access meningitis vaccines from manufacturers is too long to effectively stem an outbreak, and the disease may spread within a country, to neighbouring countries, and beyond.
This is why the global emergency vaccine stockpile of meningococcal vaccines has been established. The overall coordination of the stockpile sits with the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG). The ICG makes decisions on allocation and release of doses based on country applications.
In addition to being a member of the ICG, UNICEF’s is responsible for the following aspects of the meningitis vaccine stockpile:
Physically establish the stockpile through public tendering, selection and contracting of suppliers of WHO prequalified vaccines and securing their appropriate storage.
Maintain and manage ICG mandated levels of stock availability on a day-to-day basis, through demand and supply planning with ICG and suppliers.
Rapidly deploy and deliver vaccine doses and safe injections devises to countries upon direction from the ICG.
The Meningococcal Vaccine Emergency Stockpile Availability Report is updated on a weekly basis.
Last updated: 2 November 2026
For more information, please go to the Global emergency vaccine stockpiles homepage.
