Meningococcal Vaccine: What's In A Name?

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially deadly illness that can lead to bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which has several serogroups, including A, B, C, W, and Y. To prevent this disease, several vaccines have been developed and are commonly referred to as meningococcal vaccines. These vaccines are designed to protect against specific serogroups of the bacteria and are given names such as MenACWY, MenB, and MenABCWY to indicate the serogroups they target. These vaccines have been crucial in reducing the incidence of meningococcal disease and its severe consequences.

MenACWY vaccines

Meningococcal vaccines are recommended for all preteens, teens, and people at increased risk. They are mostly given to preteens, teens, and other people who are more likely to get the disease. Meningococcal vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease, which is very contagious (easy to catch from someone else). The vaccines are given as an injection, usually in the upper arm. Most people only need one dose of the vaccine. However, if you need it because of your job, you may need a booster dose every five years.

The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers and is usually given to children when they are 13 or 14 years old (school year 9 or 10). If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, you can get it up to the age of 25. It is also available for some people who are at increased risk of getting meningitis. Since protection wanes, a MenACWY booster dose at age 16 years is critical to maintaining protection when adolescents are most at risk for meningococcal disease.

The MenACWY vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the MMR and Td/IPV (3-in-1 teenage booster) vaccines. Most side effects of the MenACWY vaccine are mild and do not last long. These include swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the shot. Sometimes kids may have a headache, muscle aches, a fever, or tiredness. As with any vaccine, there is a small risk of fainting, and a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction.

MenB vaccines

Meningococcal disease is uncommon but serious and very contagious. It is caused by different kinds of meningococcal bacteria, leading to three types of vaccines: MenACWY, MenB, and MenABCWY. The MenB vaccine specifically targets serogroup B bacteria, which were previously the leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in the UK.

The MenB vaccine is part of the NHS vaccination schedule for children in the UK, with doses recommended at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and one year of age. It is safe for children who are unwell but do not have a high temperature. Side effects may include soreness, redness, swelling, tiredness, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhoea, and usually go away within 1-2 days. To prevent or treat a high temperature after vaccination, paracetamol is recommended for babies, with three doses given at specific intervals.

While the MenB vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing illnesses caused by serogroup B bacteria, it does not protect against other causes of meningitis and sepsis. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant for symptoms of these diseases. Additionally, protective antibodies from the MenB vaccine have been found to decrease rapidly within 1-2 years, highlighting the importance of booster doses for those at increased risk of serogroup B meningococcal disease.

MenABCWY vaccines

Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can cause serious illness and even death in people of all ages. It can lead to bacterial meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. It is very contagious and can be deadly if not treated quickly. Vaccines are the best way to protect against this disease.

There are three types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States, which vary by the number of serogroups they can protect against. Two conjugate vaccines protect against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y), two recombinant protein vaccines protect against serogroup B, and two combination conjugate and recombinant protein vaccines protect against all five serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y).

The MenABCWY vaccine, or MenABCWY (brand names Penbraya™ and Penmenvy), combines the protection of MenACWY and MenB vaccines in a single product. It is suitable for people aged 16 and above. This vaccine has been shown to produce an immune response, suggesting it provides protection. However, data on its effectiveness is limited, and it does not provide 100% protection.

As with any vaccine, there is a small risk of mild side effects, such as swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site, as well as headaches, muscle aches, fever, or tiredness. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can lead to bacterial meningitis and blood infections. It is very contagious and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Vaccines are the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is available in two brand-name formulations: Menveo® and MenQuadfi®. Menveo is available as a one- or two-vial presentation. The two-vial presentation consists of 10 µg of lyophilized meningococcal serogroup A (MenA) capsular polysaccharide conjugated to CRM197. MenQuadfi is formulated in 0.5-mL doses, with each dose containing 10 micrograms (µg) each of meningococcal A, C, W, and Y polysaccharides conjugated to approximately 55 µg of tetanus toxoid protein carrier. Both vaccines are supplied as liquids in single-dose vials and do not contain preservatives or adjuvants.

Meningococcal B vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can lead to bacterial meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. It is very contagious and can be deadly if not treated quickly. The disease has declined in the United States since the 1990s but has seen a sharp increase since 2021. Vaccines are available to prevent this disease and have been given to millions of people for decades.

Frequently asked questions