The incidence of IMD is low and similar across the represented countries (< 0.2 cases per 10 0,0 0 0 persons per year), with the predominant serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis being B, W and Y, although serogroups A and X are present in some areas. Resistance to ciprofloxacin is also of concern, with the close monitoring of antibiotic-resistant clonal complexes (e.g., cc4821) being a priority. Meningococcal vaccination is only included in a few National Immunization Programs, but is recommended for high-risk groups, including travellers (such as pilgrims) and people with complement deficiencies or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines form part of recommendations. However, cost and misconceptions remain limiting factors in vaccine uptake, despite conjugate vaccines preventing the acquisition of carriage.

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Conclusions Understanding the common pediatric diagnoses presenting at EDs can facilitate clinical guidelines implementation, resource allocation and staff training. By focusing efforts on emergent (P1) diagnoses, general EDs can enhance their preparedness and quality of pediatric emergency care to critically ill patients.