From the Guidelines
The meningococcal vaccines recommended for adults are MenACWY vaccines, which include brand names such as Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi, and are typically given as a single dose for those at increased risk, as outlined in the 2020 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States 1.
Key Points for Adults
- The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for adults at increased risk, such as those with certain medical conditions, military recruits, or travelers to regions where meningococcal disease is common.
- The vaccine is important because it protects against Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which can cause severe, potentially fatal infections including meningitis and septicemia.
- According to the 2020 guidelines, adults aged 24 years and older may receive MenACWY vaccination if they are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, as noted in Table 3 of the recommendations 1.
- The MenB vaccine, with brand names such as Bexsero and Trumenba, is not routinely recommended for adults but may be considered for those at increased risk, typically given as a 2-dose series of Bexsero or a 3-dose series of Trumenba.
- Side effects of the vaccines are generally mild and may include pain at the injection site, headache, and fatigue that typically resolve within a few days.
Importance of Vaccination
- Vaccination is particularly important for adults living in crowded settings, such as military barracks, or for those traveling to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease.
- The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, making vaccination a critical preventive measure against severe and potentially fatal infections.
- The 2020 recommendations emphasize the importance of shared clinical decision-making for the administration of MenB vaccines to adults at increased risk 1.
From the Research
Meningococcal Vaccine for Adults
The meningococcal vaccine for adults is a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
- The vaccine is recommended for adults at increased risk of meningococcal disease, including those with underlying medical conditions 2.
- Examples of meningococcal conjugate vaccines include Menveo® (MenACWY-CRM) and MenACWY-TT, which have been shown to be immunogenic and safe in adults 3, 4.
- These vaccines can be used to protect against meningococcal disease in adults, including those who are at increased risk due to age, underlying medical conditions, or other factors 5, 6.
Vaccine Options
- Menveo® (MenACWY-CRM) is a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine that has been licensed in several countries, including the US, Europe, and Canada 3.
- MenACWY-TT is another quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine that has been shown to be immunogenic and safe in adults 4.
Recommendations
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for adults at increased risk of meningococcal disease 2.
- The ACIP also recommends meningococcal vaccination for persons at increased risk, including those with underlying medical conditions, and for persons who are at increased risk due to age or other factors 2, 6.