Meningococcal Vaccines: Protecting Against a Potentially Deadly Disease
What are Meningococcal Bacteria?
Meningococcal bacteria are commonly found in the throat and nose of healthy people without causing illness. However, in rare cases the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause meningococcal disease. There are five major serogroups (strains) of meningococcal bacteria that can cause invasive meningococcal disease - serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y.
Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines
Serogroup B causes more cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the United States compared to other serogroups. There are two different serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines available in the United States - Bexsero and Trumenba. Both vaccines help protect against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Bexsero contains genetically engineered recombinant proteins from serogroup B meningococcal bacteria. Trumenba contains two recombinant protein components from serogroup B outer membrane vesicles.
Effectiveness and Safety of Serogroup B Vaccines
Meningococcal Vaccines as Clinical trials showed both Bexsero and Trumenba to be safe and effective at preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B. No serious safety concerns were identified during clinical trials or post-marketing monitoring. The most common side effects are mild and include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site as well as fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain. As with any vaccine, there is a possibility of a severe allergic reaction, but these are rare. Bexsero and Trumenba do not contain live bacteria so they cannot cause meningococcal disease.
Recommended Use of Serogroup B Vaccines
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination of people 10 years or older with Bexsero or Trumenba based on risk for exposure or increased risk of disease. High-risk groups include those living in communities or dormitories experiencing outbreaks, anyone with HIV or another immunosuppressive condition, or anyone who has had their spleen removed. It is also recommended for microbiologists working with meningococcal bacteria in a laboratory. The two-dose primary series should be completed according to approved schedules, with or without a booster depending on risk factors.
Serogroup C, W, and Y Meningococcal Vaccines
While serogroup B causes the most disease in the US currently, other serogroups also circulate and occasionally cause outbreaks. There is a quadrivalent vaccine called MenACWY that protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MenACWY vaccines contain purified polysaccharides or polysaccharides attached to proteins and are very effective at preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by these serogroups.
Recommended Use of MenACWY Vaccines
The ACIP recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for all children 11-12 years old, with a booster at age 16. High-risk groups should also receive MenACWY routinely including those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions and anyone who has had their spleen removed. College freshmen living in dormitories should receive a dose if they have not been vaccinated already as they are at higher risk of exposure. MenACWY should also be considered for travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is common or during outbreaks of serogroups A, C, W, or Y disease in the US.
Protecting Future Generations
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the potentially devastating effects of meningococcal disease. By routinely vaccinating children and adolescents according to ACIP recommendations, as well as vaccinating high-risk groups, we can significantly reduce the burden of disease and protect future generations from exposure to this potentially deadly infection. Annual or periodic boosters may be needed depending on risk factors. Widespread use of serogroup B and quadrivalent ACWY vaccines can help curb meningococcal disease in the United States.
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