CDC Advisory Committee votes to recommend Pfizer’s serogroup B meningococcal disease vaccination

CDC’s Advisory Committee recommend that decisions to vaccinate adolescents and young adults of this age group against serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) disease should be made at the individual level with healthcare providers.

Particularly, the ACIP voted that a MenB vaccine series may be administered to these individuals to provide short term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease.

Trumenba is FDA-approved for active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in individuals 10 through 25 years of age.

Pfizer Vaccines global medical lead for Meningococcal Vaccines Dr Laura York said: "Healthcare providers should understand the importance of today’s ACIP recommendation to help protect adolescents and young adults.

"This recommendation is an important step forward that provides guidance that serogroup B meningococcal disease vaccination may be administered between the ages of 16 through 23, with preferred timing for vaccination between ages 16 through 18."

The recommendation from ACIP will be forwarded to the director of the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services for review and approval.

Following approval, the recommendations will be published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

The company said in a statement that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Vaccines for Children (VFC) program ensure coverage for all vaccines administered in accordance with ACIP recommendations.

Pfizer Vaccines president Susan Silbermann said: "Serogroup B meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness that attacks without warning and may become life-threatening within 24 hours.

"Parents and healthcare providers should take action now and consider vaccination particularly for those aged 16 through 23. No one in this age group should lack access to potentially life-saving vaccines."