Is Menatra (Meningitis B)?

Menactra is NOT a Meningitis B Vaccine

Menactra is a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) that protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y, but does NOT provide protection against serogroup B meningococcal disease. 1

Understanding Meningococcal Vaccines

There are two distinct types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:

1. Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines (MenACWY):

   • Includes Menactra (MenACWY-D, Sanofi Pasteur)
   • Protects against serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y
   • Routinely recommended for adolescents at ages 11-12 with a booster at age 16 1

2. Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines (MenB):

   • Bexsero (MenB-4C, GlaxoSmithKline)
   • Trumenba (MenB-FHbp, Pfizer)
   • Specifically target serogroup B, which is not covered by Menactra 1

Clinical Implications

This distinction is critically important because:

• Serogroup B causes approximately 40% of meningococcal disease cases in adolescents and young adults in the United States 1
• Patients who have received only Menactra remain vulnerable to serogroup B meningococcal disease
• Separate vaccination with a MenB vaccine (Bexsero or Trumenba) is needed for protection against serogroup B 1

Vaccination Recommendations

MenACWY Vaccines (including Menactra):

• Routine vaccination at age 11-12 years with booster at age 16 1
• First-year college students living in residence halls 1
• Travelers to regions where meningococcal disease is endemic 1

MenB Vaccines:

• May be administered to adolescents and young adults 16-23 years (preferred ages 16-18) 1
• Recommended for persons ≥10 years with complement deficiencies, asplenia, during outbreaks, or microbiologists routinely exposed to N. meningitidis 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Assuming complete protection: Patients who received only Menactra may believe they are fully protected against all meningococcal disease when they remain vulnerable to serogroup B.

2. Confusing vaccine names: The similar names (Menactra, Menveo, MenHibrix) can lead to confusion about which serogroups are covered.

3. Missing high-risk populations: Certain groups require both MenACWY and MenB vaccines for comprehensive protection, including those with complement deficiencies or asplenia 1.

For complete protection against all major disease-causing meningococcal serogroups, appropriate patients should receive both a quadrivalent MenACWY vaccine (like Menactra) AND a MenB vaccine (Bexsero or Trumenba).