Meningococcal B vaccination : a novel approach

Abstract

Meningococcal B disease is associated with a mortality of up to 10% and significant morbidity in survivors. Attempts to produ.ce an effective vaccine based on established methods over several decades, have succeeded in designing vaccines suitable only for local and strain-specific outbreaks. To date, the 4CMenB vaccine is the first preventative measure that is effective on a global endemic level and could potentially cover against 80% of isolates that cause this devastating disease. Although costly, this vaccine appears to be safe and can be given with other vaccines. Early trials of a 3+ 1 infant schedule have shown encouraging levels of seroprotection at 13 months of almost 100% for all four vaccine components. Results from widespread national programmes have shown uptake levels for the vaccine in excess of 95% of the target population, and Significant reductions in invasive meningococcal B disease by more than 50% of cases within just 10 months of starting the programme. Long term surveillance for late adverse events and to determine the duration of protection is ongoing, and countries will need to independently establish the cost-benefit and feasibility of a 4CMenB programme.