From the Guidelines
Menactra and Menveo are both quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) that protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, but they differ in their specific formulations and administration details. Menactra (MenACWY-D) uses diphtheria toxoid as its protein carrier, while Menveo (MenACWY-CRM) uses a non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin (CRM197) 1. Both vaccines are administered as a single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection and are indicated for individuals aged 2 months to 55 years, though their specific age approvals vary slightly. Menactra is approved for ages 9 months to 55 years, while Menveo is approved for ages 2 months to 55 years 1. The vaccines have similar efficacy profiles, with both providing protection for approximately 3-5 years. Side effects are generally mild for both and include injection site reactions, headache, and fatigue. Neither vaccine contains live bacteria, so they cannot cause meningococcal disease. The choice between them often depends on age, availability, and provider preference, as both are considered effective options for meningococcal disease prevention 1.
Some key differences in their administration include:
- For infants 2-23 months, Menveo is given in a 4-dose series at 2,4,6, and 12 months, while Menactra is given in a 2-dose series at 9 months and 12-15 months 1.
- For children 2-9 years, both vaccines are given in a 2-dose series, with Menactra doses given 8 weeks apart and Menveo doses given 3-4 months apart 1.
- For individuals 10 years and older, both vaccines are given in a single dose or a 2-dose series, depending on the individual's risk factors and previous vaccination history 1.
It's essential to consult the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), for the most up-to-date information on meningococcal vaccination 1.
From the Research
Overview of Menactra and Menveo
- Menactra and Menveo are two quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines that protect against serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y [(2,3,4,5,6)].
- Both vaccines are designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease, a serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis 2.
Differences in Conjugate Proteins
- Menactra uses diphtheria toxoid as the conjugate protein [(2,5,6)].
- Menveo uses a mutant diphtheria toxin, known as cross-reactive material 197 (CRM197), as the conjugate protein [(3,4)].
Immunogenicity and Safety
- Both vaccines have been shown to be immunogenic and safe in adolescents and adults [(2,3,4,5,6)].
- Menveo has been found to be at least as immunogenic as Menactra against all four vaccine serogroups [(3,4)].
- The tolerability profiles of both vaccines are generally similar [(3,4,5)].
Age Range and Administration
- Menactra is licensed for use in individuals 9 months of age and older [(5,6)].
- Menveo is licensed for use in adolescents and adults [(3,4)].
- Both vaccines can be administered with other common childhood immunizations [(3,5)].