Novel quadrivalent meningococcal A, C, W-135 and Y glycoconjugate vaccine for the broader protection of adolescents and adults

Abstract

Meningococcal meningitis and septicemia are a persistent public health concern owing to the associated mortality and devastating long-term sequelae. People of all ages may be affected, with the disease burden being higher in at-risk groups. Vaccination is the most rational approach to the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease. A novel quadrivalent meningococcal (Men) serogroup A, C, W-135 and Y polysaccharide–protein conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-CRM), has recently been licensed for use in individuals aged at least 11 years old in the USA, Canada and Europe. One dose of MenACWY-CRM is well tolerated, and induces robust immunity to all constituent vaccine serogroups in 11–65 year old individuals. MenACWY-CRM was found to be noninferior to the quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY-diphtheria toxoid glycoconjugate vaccine, which is also licensed in the USA and Canada. In Europe, MenACWY-CRM is the first quadrivalent meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine available to provide broader protection against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y.