From the Guidelines
The immunization for meningococcal disease consists of two main types of vaccines: MenACWY and MenB, with MenACWY vaccines (brand names Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi) protecting against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and MenB vaccines (Bexsero and Trumenba) protecting against serogroup B. For routine vaccination, adolescents should receive their first dose of MenACWY at age 11-12 and a booster at age 16, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1. MenB vaccination is recommended for people aged 16-23 years (preferably at 16-18 years) based on individual decision, requiring either 2 doses of Bexsero (2 months apart) or 3 doses of Trumenba (0,1-2, and 6 months) 1. Certain high-risk groups need additional protection, including those with complement deficiencies, HIV, or asplenia, as well as laboratory workers and those traveling to areas where meningococcal disease is common, with specific vaccination schedules and recommendations outlined by the ACIP 1. These vaccines are important because meningococcal disease, though rare, can cause severe infections including meningitis and septicemia, which can lead to death within hours or cause permanent disabilities in survivors. Key points to consider include:
- Routine vaccination with MenACWY at ages 11-12 and 16 years
- MenB vaccination for individuals aged 16-23 years based on individual decision
- Additional protection for high-risk groups, including those with certain medical conditions or occupational exposures
- Importance of following recommended vaccination schedules and guidelines to prevent meningococcal disease.
From the Research
Meningococcal Immunization
The immunization for meningococcal disease is available in several forms, including:
- MenACWY (quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine) which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y 2, 3, 4, 5
- MenB (serogroup B meningococcal vaccine) which protects against serogroup B 2, 4, 6
- MenABCWY (pentavalent meningococcal vaccine) which protects against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y 2, 4, 6
Vaccination Schedules
The recommended vaccination schedules for meningococcal disease are:
- 1+1 dosing of MenACWY vaccine at ages 11 and 16 years 2
- 2 doses of MenB vaccine at age 16-23 years under shared clinical decision-making between the patient and healthcare provider 2
- MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp (pentavalent meningococcal vaccine) may be used when both MenACWY and MenB are indicated at the same visit for healthy persons aged 16-23 years and persons aged ≥10 years who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease 4
Vaccine Safety and Immunogenicity
The safety and immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccines have been studied in several clinical trials, including: