meningococcal B (4CMenB) protein vaccine

Last edited 05/2022 and last reviewed 05/2022

• in January 2013, a four component meningococcal B (4CMenB) protein vaccine was authorised for use by the European Medicines Agency
  • made from three N. meningitidis proteins produced by recombinant DNA technology (Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA), Neisserial adhesion A (NadA), factor H binding protein (fHbp)) and a preparation of N. meningitidis capsular group B outer membrane vesicles (OMV)
  • 4CMenB vaccine is immunogenic in young infants and adolescents (Santolaya et al., 2012) and is licensed for use from two months of age.
  • laboratory-based studies suggest that 4CMenB may protect against up to 88% of circulating meningogoccal B strains in England and Wales
  • 4CMenB may also protect against infection by capsular groups other than group B
    
    
• in 2015 4CMenB was added to the routine UK immunisation schedule
  • although the summary of product characteristics for 4CMenB states that three doses should be given in those less than one year of age, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation have advised that the provision of two doses of 4CMenB in infancy at two and four months of age with a booster dose at 12-13 months of age would likely be sufficient to provide substantial protection against MenB invasive meningococcal disease in infants and toddlers
    
    
• Individuals at occupational risk (2)
  • any laboratory staff who handle strains of or clinical samples containing Neisseria meningitidis must receive a primary course of meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine and 4CMenB vaccine with booster doses of both vaccines every five years

See "The Green Book" for up to date details.

Reference:

• Immunisation Against Infectious Disease - "The Green Book".Chapter 22 Meningococcal (July 2015)
• Immunisation Against Infectious Disease - "The Green Book".Chapter 22 Meningococcal (May 2022)