Can meningitis A and meningitis B (Meningococcal (Neisseria meningitidis) vaccines) be administered at the same time?

Meningococcal A and B Vaccines Can Be Administered Simultaneously

Yes, meningococcal A (MenACWY) and meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines can be administered simultaneously at the same visit, but at different anatomic sites. 1

Rationale for Simultaneous Administration

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines clearly indicate that MenACWY and MenB vaccines can be administered at the same visit, though they must be given at different anatomic sites 2
• Simultaneous administration of indicated vaccines increases the likelihood of complete vaccination and provides timely protection against meningococcal disease 1
• The immune response to these vaccines is not affected when they are administered together, allowing for concurrent administration without compromising efficacy 1

Administration Guidelines

• When administering both vaccines at the same visit:

  • Use different anatomic sites (e.g., left and right arms) 2
  • Do not mix the vaccines in the same syringe 1
  • Document each vaccine in the patient's permanent medical record 1

• Important note: MenB vaccine products (MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C) are not interchangeable; the same product must be used for all doses in a series 2

Specific Recommendations by Age Group and Risk

Adolescents and Young Adults (16-23 years)

• For healthy adolescents and young adults, MenACWY is routinely recommended at age 11-12 years with a booster at age 16 years 2
• MenB vaccination for ages 16-23 years is based on shared clinical decision-making for those without specific risk factors 2, 3
• Both vaccines can be administered at the same visit if indicated 2

Persons at Increased Risk (any age ≥10 years)

• For persons with complement deficiencies, using complement inhibitors, or with anatomic/functional asplenia:
  • MenACWY: 2 doses given ≥8 weeks apart with boosters every 5 years 2
  • MenB: Either 3-dose MenB-FHbp series (0,1-2,6 months) or 2-dose MenB-4C series (0, ≥1 month) with boosters every 2-3 years 2
  • Both vaccine types can be administered at the same visit 2

New Pentavalent Option

• A new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp) was approved in 2023 for persons aged 10-25 years, which combines protection against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y in a single vaccine 4
• This may be used when both MenACWY and MenB are indicated at the same visit 4

Clinical Considerations

• Fever is a common side effect of MenB vaccines; prophylactic antipyretics may be considered, especially when co-administered with other vaccines 5
• For patients requiring multiple vaccines, administering them simultaneously reduces the number of visits needed 1
• Some healthcare providers may hesitate to administer multiple vaccines simultaneously due to concerns about adverse reactions or parental acceptance 5, 3

Special Situations

• During meningococcal outbreaks, vaccination recommendations may change based on the specific serogroup causing the outbreak 2
• For international travelers to high-risk areas, both MenACWY and MenB may be indicated and can be administered simultaneously 2

Remember that while these vaccines can be administered together, they must be given at different anatomic sites, and the same MenB product must be used for all doses in a series to ensure optimal protection against meningococcal disease 2.