Meningococcal vaccines: current issues and future strategies

Abstract

Since the introduction of the first meningococcal conjugate vaccines in 1999, remarkable progress has been made in reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by meningococcal disease. Currently, varying meningococcal conjugate vaccines provide protection against serogroups A, C, Y, and W meningococcal disease. A large impact has been seen after vaccine introduction, particularly in the UK after vaccinating all 1-17 year olds. The introduction of serogroup A conjugate vaccine in the meningitis belt has the potential to control epidemics of disease that disproportionately affect this area of the world. Issues remain that require continued vigilance with disease surveillance and frequent reassessment of vaccine strategies. These issues include duration of protection, potential increases in non-vaccine serogroups, and vaccine safety and potential interference with other routine vaccines. Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines are protein-based vaccines, with the first approved in early 2013. Understanding the potential impact of serogroup B vaccines is critical to developing future meningococcal vaccination strategies.