Information for providers
Two serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines have been licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (trade names: Bexsero and Trumenba). The same vaccine brand should be used for all doses in a series.
Note: Pentavalent MenABCWY vaccine (trade names: Penbraya and Penmenvy) is an option for when both MenACWY and MenB vaccines are indicated at the same visit.
Who is currently recommended to receive MenB vaccine?
Shared Clinical Decision-Making for 16-23 Years (16-18 years preferred)
- A 2-dose series at least 6 months apart is recommended for persons who are not at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
- A 3-dose schedule (0, 1-2 months, 6 months) may be administered to optimize rapid protection (e.g., for students starting college in less than 6 months).
For more information on vaccine recommendations, see the CDPH Meningococcal Vaccine Timing Guide for HCPs and Immunize.org Ask the Experts: Meningococcal B.
People with Underlying Medical Conditions or Other Risk Factors
A 3-dose primary series (0, 1-2 months, 6 months) is routinely recommended for persons 10 years and older with functional or anatomic asplenia, persistent complement component deficiencies or complement inhibitor use, and prolonged increased risk for exposure (e.g., microbiologists working with meningococcal isolates) as well as those who are exposed during a MenB outbreak. Boosters should be administered if risk continues.
For more information on vaccine recommendations for high-risk populations, see the CDPH Meningococcal Vaccine Timing Guide for High-Risk Populations.
What is the incidence of MenB disease?
MenB disease is uncommon. For more information on reported cases of meningococcal disease in California, see the CDPH Vaccine-Preventable Disease Reports.
Does quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY or MCV4, trade names MenQuadfi or Menveo) protect against serogroup B disease?
No. MenACWY (MCV4) vaccines don’t protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease but do protect against serogroup A, C, W-135 and Y disease. Please check immunization records and orders carefully to avoid errors.
Why aren’t MenB vaccines routinely recommended for all adolescents, in contrast to MenACWY (MCV4) vaccines?
Serogroup B meningococcal disease, the target of MenB vaccines, is serious but relatively rare. Available data suggest MenB vaccines safely provide protection, but that protection decreases within a few years after vaccination.
Given the severity of MenB disease and the safety of the vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) supports MenB vaccine administration based on clinical judgement to adolescents who are not at higher risk of MenB disease.
How does the composition of the different meningococcal vaccines affect their coverage?
MenACWY (MCV4) vaccines are based on capsular polysaccharides. The antibody response to the capsular polysaccharides in the vaccine is broadly protective against strains throughout the US.
In contrast, MenB vaccines are based on surface proteins that have greater variation between circulating strains. As a result, MenB vaccines are believed to be effective against most, but not all, MenB strains. Additional data on the breadth of MenB vaccine coverage are expected in the future.
During outbreaks, what additional measures are needed for persons who have previously received MenB vaccine?
Protection from MenB vaccine decreases over time Therefore, immunization now with MenB vaccine may not avoid the need later for antibiotic chemoprophylaxis or booster vaccination after future exposures to MenB disease; specific guidance will depend on the type of exposure and available information on the duration of immunity.
Is it possible to become ill with MenB disease after immunization?
Yes, immunization is not expected to be 100% effective. Consider the possibility of meningococcal disease when evaluating patients with consistent signs and symptoms, even if they have been previously immunized with MenB or MenACWY (MCV4) vaccines.