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ACIP updates recommendations for two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines
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The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices has updated its recommendations to include the implementation of two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB-4C and MenB-FHbp) for use in at-risk adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 25 years.
“Two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines were recently licensed by the [FDA] and approved for use in persons aged 10 to 25 years,” Temitope Folaranmi, MD, MPH, MBChB, and colleagues wrote. “The evidence supporting the use of [serogroup B meningococcal] vaccines in persons at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease was evaluated … and determined to be type 2 (moderate level of evidence) for use in outbreak settings and type 3 (low level of evidence) for use in persons at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease.”
MenB-4C is a two-dose series vaccine, consisting of three recombinant proteins as well as outer membrane vesicles containing outer membrane protein PorA serosubtype P1.4. Doses of MenB-4C should be administered at least 1 month apart.
MenB-FHbp is a three-dose series vaccine, made up of two purified recombinant FHbp antigens, with one antigen from each FHbp subfamily included. Doses of MenB-FHbp should be administered at 2 and 6 months after the initial dose.
Recommendations were based on analysis of data from 16 clinical trials, as well as a compilation of available peer-reviewed studies and unpublished data on meningococcal disease.
ACIP recommendations for the use of the two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines are restricted to children and young adults aged 10 to 25 years who meet specific at-risk criteria. Criteria include those with anatomic or functional asplenia and microbiologists who are routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis. The ACIP also recommends the use of MenB-4C and MenB-FHbp in the instance of an outbreak of serogroup B meningococcal disease.
The researchers said between 97% and 98% of cases of meningococcal disease in the United States are sporadic, but college campuses can pose a high risk for potential meningococcal disease outbreaks. However, MenB-4C and MenB-FHbp are not currently being recommended for routine vaccinations of college students living in residence halls or military recruits.
“Recommendations for broader use of serogroup B meningococcal vaccines in adolescents and college students will be considered separately by the ACIP,” Folaranmi and colleagues wrote. – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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