Types of Meningococcal Vaccine
There are two types of meningococcal vaccine against N. meningitidis available in the United States:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4 or Menomune®) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been available since 1981
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or Menactra™) was licensed in 2005.
Both meningococcal vaccines can prevent four types of meningococcal disease, including two of the three types most common in the United States (serogroups C, Y, and W-135) and a type that causes epidemics in Africa (serogroup A).
They also both protect more than 90 percent of those who get the vaccine.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV-4)
MCV-4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) was licensed for use in the United States in early 2005. This meningococcal vaccine is licensed for people between the ages of 2 and 55. It is sold under the brand name Menactra.
The meningococcal vaccine is expected to provide longer-lasting protection from meningococcal disease. It may also be better at preventing the spread of disease from person to person. Menactra is the preferred meningococcal vaccine for all individuals under the age of 55 years.
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (MPSV-4)
MPSV-4 (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine) has been used in the United States since the 1970s.
This vaccine is licensed for children older than two years of age, as well as adolescents and adults. It is the only meningococcal vaccine approved for use in individuals age 55 and older.
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