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Past, present, and future policy considerations regarding meningococcal vaccination in the United States
Diana E Clements1, Tosin Olaiya1, Cindy Burman1
1U.S. Medical and Clinical Affairs, Vaccines, GSK, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Routine vaccination against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) evolved with new recommendations for MenACWY and MenB vaccines. A new MenABCWY vaccine offers potential to simplify policy and improve coverage for all five serogroups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) established routine vaccination recommendations for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) starting in 2005.
- Recommendations evolved to include booster doses and optional vaccination against serogroup B (MenB), culminating in a new vaccine covering five serogroups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of public policy for meningococcal vaccines.
- To analyze epidemiologic data following key vaccine recommendations.
- To discuss the current landscape of meningococcal immunization policy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of public policy evolution.
- Analysis of published epidemiologic data post-recommendations.
- Synthesis of current meningococcal immunization strategies.
Main Results:
- Milestone recommendations for MenACWY vaccines were implemented for adolescents and high-risk groups.
- Optional MenB vaccination was introduced, followed by a combined MenABCWY vaccine.
- The new MenABCWY vaccine presents an opportunity to streamline policy and enhance vaccination rates.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of meningococcal vaccine policy reflects ongoing efforts to control IMD.
- The MenABCWY vaccine has the potential to simplify immunization schedules and improve public health outcomes.
- Further research and policy implementation are crucial for maximizing vaccine impact.
Introduction:
In 2005, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine vaccination against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) for all 11-12-year-olds, as well as 2-10-year-olds at high risk. In 2010, a booster dose was recommended for all 16-year-olds, as well as for high-risk patients every 3-5 years. In 2015, optional (as opposed to routine) vaccination against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) at the preferred age of 16-18 years was recommended (Category B, later changed to shared clinical decision-making). In 2023, a vaccine (MenABCWY) against the five serogroups primarily responsible for IMD in the U.S. became available.
Areas Covered:
This review summarizes the evolution of public policy that led to each milestone vaccine recommendation, reviews epidemiologic data published following the recommendations, and discusses the current state of meningococcal immunization policy.
Expert Opinion:
The use of MenABCWY has the potential to consolidate policy, improve coverage rates for the five serogroups, address disparities in vaccination coverage, and simplify vaccine delivery.
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