A Meningococcal Vaccine for Infants?

A new meningococcal vaccine appears to be immunogenic and safe for 2-month-old infants.

Immunization with a tetravalent meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine (protective against serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y) is recommended for all U.S. children aged 11 to 18 years. Unfortunately, the currently licensed vaccine is poorly immunogenic in infants, the population with the highest incidence of invasive meningococcal infection. In a recent manufacturer-sponsored, phase II, open-label, controlled trial conducted in the U.K. and Canada, investigators assessed the efficacy of an alternative tetravalent preparation (MenACWY). This vaccine is composed of slightly different preparations of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y capsular saccharides than the current vaccine and is conjugated to a mutant variant of the diphther…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

A Meningococcal Vaccine for Infants?

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Reviewing Author