by What is it?
Meningococcal vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease, which is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This bacteria can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) causing meningitis, or it can infect the bloodstream causing sepsis. Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly and can lead to death or permanent disabilities like hearing loss, neurological damage, or loss of limbs within just a few hours. There are five main serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y) that cause invasive meningococcal disease but vaccines are available to help prevent some of these.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine meningococcal conjugate vaccination for all children 11-12 years old with a booster dose at age 16. Teenagers and young adults are at highest risk of meningococcal disease so vaccination is especially important during these age groups. College freshmen living in dormitories are also advised to receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine if they have not previously been vaccinated. Other groups recommended for vaccination include those with medical conditions impacting the immune system, laboratory workers exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, and those traveling to or living in parts of the world where the disease is common like parts of Africa.
Types of Meningococcal Vaccines
There are two main types of Meningococcal Vaccines available in the United States:
– Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The quadrivalent vaccine approved for use in the US includes Menactra and Menveo.
– Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (MenB) protects against serogroup B which causes the majority of meningococcal disease among teenagers and young adults in the US. Two MenB vaccines are licensed – Bexsero and Trumenba.
Both active and passive immunization options exist to help prevent disease from the different serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis. While the quadrivalent conjugate vaccine targets the main strains currently circulating in the US and worldwide, the serogroup B vaccine helps cover the predominant cause of college campus outbreaks.
Effectiveness of Meningococcal Vaccines
Clinical trials have demonstrated that the meningococcal conjugate vaccines are highly effective at preventing invasive meningococcal disease from serogroups A, C, W, and Y. One study showed 85% effectiveness for MenACWY which lasts around 5 years and requires a booster at age 16 to provide continued protection through young adulthood.
Data on the serogroup B vaccines also shows significant effectiveness, with one review finding 51-75% vaccine effectiveness against genetically diverse strains of serogroup B after short-term follow-up in adolescents. While the duration of protection may be shorter for MenB vaccines compared to MenACWY, they help combat disease from the most prevalent cause in some communities.
Both active immunization through vaccination as well as passive immunization using antibodies can help prevent invasive meningococcal disease, protecting health and potentially saving lives. By maintaining high enough community vaccination rates, herdimmunity can be established to shield even those who cannot receive the vaccine themselves, like newborns or immunocompromised individuals. This makes widespread adoption of an appropriate vaccination schedule all the more important.
Barriers to Effective Vaccination
While meningococcal vaccines are amongst the most effective preventative tools available, several barriers still limit their ability to fully control disease. Coverage rates in some age groups, particularly adolescents and young adults, remain below desired targets. This leaves pockets of susceptibility where outbreaks can more easily take hold. Cost is another barrier, as the multivalent and serogroup B vaccines come at a significant price. Insurance often does not fully cover them, creating an obstacle for uninsured or underinsured populations.
Furthermore, awareness of meningococcal disease and available vaccines tends to be relatively low amongst parents, teenagers, and healthcare providers alike. Many do not view it as a major health threat. This lack of perceived risk or urgency undermines efforts to boost and maintain adequate vaccination rates over the long-term. Short vaccine schedules also mean ongoing booster doses are required to sustain immunity throughout high-risk periods of life. Non-medical exemptions continue rising in some communities as well. Overcoming these barriers will be an ongoing effort essential for optimizing vaccine impact.
meningococcal disease is a serious public health concern that disproportionately impacts adolescents, young adults, and those in close community settings like colleges. Effective and immunogenic vaccines exist to help prevent four of the main disease-causing serogroups through active immunization programs. While barriers still constrain their full potential, continued emphasis on improving vaccination rates through community education and partnerships holds promise to substantially reduce the global burden of meningococcal disease over time. Widespread adoption of current vaccine recommendations represents an important opportunity to save lives and prevent disability going forward.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
