From the Guidelines
The meningitis B vaccine is recommended for adolescents between the ages of 16 and 23 years, with the preferred age being 16 to 18 years, as stated by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.
Key Points
- For children at increased risk of meningococcal disease, vaccination should begin at 10 years of age or older 1.
- The vaccine is typically administered as a series of either 2 or 3 doses, depending on the specific brand used (Bexsero requires 2 doses given at least 1 month apart, while Trumenba requires either 2 doses given 6 months apart or 3 doses if at higher risk) 1.
- This timing is strategic because meningococcal disease risk increases during adolescence and young adulthood, particularly when living in close quarters like college dormitories.
- The vaccine specifically protects against serogroup B meningococcal bacteria, which can cause severe, potentially fatal infections of the bloodstream and the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Administration Schedule
- Primary vaccination: MenB series at age 16–23 yrs on basis of shared clinical decision-making (preferred age 16–18 yrs) 1.
- MenB-FHbp: 2 doses at 0 and 6 mos 1.
- MenB-4C: 2 doses ≥1 mo apart 1.
Special Considerations
- College freshmen living in residence halls should receive at least 1 dose of MenACWY within 5 years before college entry 1.
- Certain schools, colleges, and universities have policies requiring vaccination against meningococcal disease as a condition of enrollment 1.
From the Research
Meningitis B Vaccine Administration
The provided studies do not directly address the age at which the meningitis B vaccine should be administered. However, some information can be gathered from the context of meningococcal disease prevention:
- The studies primarily focus on the prevention and treatment of meningococcal disease, including the use of antibiotics and vaccines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study mentions the use of the 4CMenB vaccine in an outbreak of serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease in an elderly care home, where residents and staff were offered the vaccine for longer-term protection 5.
- Another study discusses the prevention of bacterial meningitis, including the use of vaccines and chemoprophylaxis, but does not specify the age range for meningitis B vaccine administration 6.
Vaccine Administration Age
While the studies do not provide a direct answer to the question of the age at which the meningitis B vaccine should be administered, they do suggest that:
- The 4CMenB vaccine is licensed for children and adults, but there is limited data on its use in older adults (≥ 65 years) 5.
- Vaccines, including those for meningococcal disease, are typically administered to children and young adults to prevent the disease 4, 6.
Key Points
- The provided studies do not directly address the age at which the meningitis B vaccine should be administered.
- The 4CMenB vaccine is licensed for children and adults, but its use in older adults is not well-studied 5.
- Vaccines are typically administered to children and young adults to prevent meningococcal disease 4, 6.