EP040 - EVOLVING MENINGOCOCCAL IMMUNISATION LANDSCAPE, REMAINING GAPS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE LIFELONG IMMUNISATION (ID 892)
Abstract
Backgrounds:
Effective meningococcal vaccines (MenC, quadrivalent MenACWY, and protein-based MenB vaccines) are available and commonly used in national immunisation programmes (NIPs), with demonstrated reductions in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) burden over time. However, age-based recommendations create immunisation gaps in specific age-groups. We evaluated the current IMD and immunisation landscape to determine medical need and scope for re-evaluation of existing recommendations in response to evolving epidemiology and environments.
Methods
Targeted review of current IMD literature.
Results:
Most meningococcal NIPs target infants, toddlers and adolescents. MenB immunisation is limited to infants in relatively few European countries, and to adolescents/young adults in the United States. Only South Australia and the Czech Republic recommend MenB in both infants and adolescents. Adolescent vaccination is chiefly MenACWY, although often only as a single dose; some countries have no MenACWY recommendations. There are no established adult immunisation recommendations (beyond at-risk individuals) (Figure 1). Targeting younger populations has led over time to shifts of IMD towards older age groups (where morbidity and fatality are generally greater). The current MenACWY vaccination landscape suggests that NIP recommendations could be expanded to include broader toddler and pre-adolescent vaccination. MenB vaccines could be considered for most infant/toddler schedules, while increasing evidence for effectiveness in adolescents (and potential broader protection against other serogroups) supports expansion to children and adolescents. This, along with adult MenACWY and MenB vaccination, is consistent with a lifelong and equitable immunisation approach.
Conclusions/Learning Points:
The meningococcal immunisation landscape still fluctuates and gaps do exist. Developing and implementing more inclusive recommendations towards as yet ineligible age-groups should be considered in the near future. The COVID-19 pandemic impact on IMD epidemiology and vaccine uptake must also be considered.
FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.
