The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a vaccine for invasive meningococcal disease developed by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, the Cambridge division of Switzerland-based Novartis, for accepted use in infants and toddlers from two months to two years old. The immunization, called Menveo, is already approved in the U.S. for two to 55-year-olds.

Novartis noted in a press release today that meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection of the bloodstream, can lead to brain damage, learning disabilities, hearing loss, limb loss, or potentially death. The company said the first seven months of a baby’s life are the most vulnerable to contracting meningococcal disease.

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