A multicomponent serogroup B meningococcal vaccine is licensed for use in Europe: what do we know, and what are we yet to learn?

Abstract

The first meningococcal vaccine with the potential to provide broad coverage against serogroup B disease has recently been approved for use in Europe. This vaccine, multi-component serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB), contains recombinant proteins and outer membrane vesicles, and has been extensively studied in clinical trials involving over 7500adults, children and infants. As well as demonstrating immunogenicity against a range of serogroup B meningococcal strains, these trials have also demonstrated relatively high rates of fever following infant immunization. This article will summarize the vaccine composition, clinical trials and suggested schedules of this vaccine, with specific attention to immunogenicity, reactogenicity, safety, potential coverage and optimal implementation of this vaccine.