A review of the immunogenicity, safety and current recommendations for the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, MenB-FHbp.

Abstract

This review describes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) epidemiology in the United States, provides a brief overview of available meningococcal vaccines and discusses meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine development. Particular focus is given to the recombinant protein MenB vaccine, MenB-FHbp (Trumenba® , bivalent rLP2086) in light of recent publication of phase 3 data; the other MenB vaccine (Bexsero® , MenB-4C) has been recently reviewed. Current recommendations of the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for MenB vaccination and potential barriers to immunization are also discussed. Using the published literature, this article reviews the development and use of MenB-FHbp to date, with a focus on the United States. Despite the availability of medical treatment, IMD is associated with significant mortality and frequently occurring serious permanent sequelae in surviving individuals. Worldwide, most IMD is caused by six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X and Y). MenB is the most common disease-causing meningococcal serogroup in the United States and has caused several recent university-based IMD outbreaks. MenB vaccines, including MenB-FHbp, are available in the United States. ACIP recommends that all individuals ≥10years of age at increased risk for meningococcal disease receive MenB vaccination; healthy individuals 16-23years of age are recommended MenB vaccines based on individual clinical decision-making. MenB-FHbp is used on a 2-dose schedule (0, 6months) when vaccinating healthy individuals and on a tailored 3-dose schedule (0, 1-2, 6months) in cases of increased risk. Because vaccination provides the most effective protection against IMD, pharmacists are in an excellent position to offer evidence-based vaccine information, as well as to encourage and provide meningococcal immunizations to adolescents and young adults.