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 composition and administration, with Menactra using diphtheria toxoid as its protein carrier and Menveo using CRM197 as its carrier protein. The key differences between Menactra and Menveo lie in their carrier proteins and administration methods. Menactra uses diphtheria toxoid as its protein carrier, whereas Menveo uses CRM197, a non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin, as its carrier protein 1. Additionally, Menactra comes as a ready-to-use solution, while Menveo requires reconstitution before administration.
Similarities and Differences
Both vaccines are administered as a single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection and have similar safety profiles and efficacy. The recommended schedule for both includes routine vaccination at age 11-12 with a booster at age 16, though they can be used in people aged 2 months to 55 years depending on the specific vaccine and risk factors 1. Either vaccine can be used when meningococcal vaccination is indicated, and they can be used interchangeably if necessary for booster doses. The choice between them often depends on provider preference, availability, and specific patient factors rather than significant clinical differences.
Recommendations
According to the most recent guidelines, there is no preferential recommendation for one MenACWY over the other 1. Both Menactra and Menveo are effective in preventing meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and the decision to use one over the other should be based on individual patient needs and circumstances. It is essential to note that severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine is a contraindication to administration 1.
Administration and Schedule
The administration schedule for both vaccines includes a single dose for individuals aged 11-55 years, with a booster dose recommended at age 16 1. For individuals at increased risk for meningococcal disease, such as college freshmen living in dormitories, microbiologists, and military recruits, vaccination is recommended regardless of age 1.
Safety and Efficacy
Both Menactra and Menveo have similar safety profiles and efficacy, with rare reports of severe allergic reactions and other adverse events 1. The vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and their use is recommended as part of the routine immunization schedule for adolescents and young adults 1.
From the Research
Difference between Menactra and Menveo
- Menactra (MenACWY-DT) and Menveo (MenACWY-CRM197) are two quadrivalent conjugated meningococcal vaccines licensed in the US 2.
- The main difference between the two vaccines is the carrier protein used: Menactra uses diphtheria toxoid, while Menveo uses a mutant protein called cross-reactive material 197 (CRM197) 3.
- Studies have shown that Menveo is generally more immunogenic against vaccine serogroups than Menactra in adolescents and adults 3.
- Menactra has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in infants and toddlers when given in two doses, and can be administered with other common childhood immunizations 4.
- Both vaccines have been recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use in certain populations, such as adolescents and individuals at increased risk for meningococcal disease 5.
- The safety profiles of both vaccines have been evaluated, with some studies raising concerns about potential associations with Guillain-Barré syndrome and Bell's palsy, although the risks are considered to be low 6.
Immunogenicity and Safety
- Menveo has been shown to elicit a strong immune response against all four vaccine serogroups in adolescents and adults 3.
- Menactra has been shown to be immunogenic in children above the age of 12 months, adolescents, and adults, with an acceptable reactogenicity and safety profile 2.
- Both vaccines have been found to be generally well-tolerated, with few serious adverse events reported 3, 4.
- The coadministration of Menveo with other vaccines, such as Tdap and human papillomavirus vaccines, has been found to not affect the immunogenicity of these vaccines 3.