Can MCV4 (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and MenB (Meningococcal B Vaccine) be administered at the same time?

From the Guidelines

Yes, MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) and MenB (meningococcal B vaccine) can be safely administered at the same time, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1. These vaccines protect against different strains of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. MCV4 protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, while MenB specifically targets serogroup B. When given together, each vaccine maintains its full effectiveness without increased side effects, as supported by studies such as those published in 2020 1. The vaccines are administered at different injection sites, typically in separate arms. This concurrent administration is convenient and ensures timely protection, particularly important for adolescents, college students, and others at higher risk of meningococcal disease. Some key points to consider include:

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends this approach to maximize protection against all major meningococcal serogroups efficiently 1.
• Common side effects for both vaccines include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and mild fever, which typically resolve within a few days.
• The recommendation for concurrent administration is based on the latest guidelines and studies, including those from 2020 1.
• It is essential to follow the recommended schedule and dosing for each vaccine to ensure optimal protection against meningococcal disease. Overall, the concurrent administration of MCV4 and MenB vaccines is a safe and effective way to protect against meningococcal disease, and it is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.

From the Research

MCV4 and MenB Vaccination

• The MCV4 vaccine protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y, while the MenB vaccine protects against serogroup B.
• According to a study published in 2005 2, the combined administration of meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle vaccine and conjugated serogroup C vaccine is safe and immunogenic.
• This study suggests that the two vaccines can be given at the same time, and the immune responses induced by the combination vaccine are similar to those induced by the separate components.

Safety and Immunogenicity

• The 2005 study 2 found that the combination vaccine was well tolerated, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events.
• The study also found that the immune responses to the combination vaccine were similar to those of the separate components, suggesting that the vaccines do not interact negatively with each other.
• Another study published in 2013 3 found that a licensed combined Haemophilus influenzae type b-serogroups C and Y meningococcal conjugate vaccine was safe and immunogenic when administered at 2,4,6, and 12-15 months of age.

Administration Recommendations

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the MenB vaccine be administered at 0 and 6 months for healthy adolescents and young adults aged 16-23 years, based on shared clinical decision-making 4.
• The ACIP also recommends a 3-dose series of MenB vaccine for persons aged ≥10 years at increased risk.
• The 2013 study 3 found that the combined Haemophilus influenzae type b-serogroups C and Y meningococcal conjugate vaccine may be given concomitantly with other routine infant vaccines.