MENVEO and NIMENRIX, meningococcal group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccines

INFECTIOLOGY - Inclusion on list of reimbursable products for supply by pharmacists

Opinions on drugs - Posted on Sep 14 2015

Inclusion

MENVEO and NIMENRIX, tetravalent conjugate vaccines, have Marketing Authorisation in active immunisation against invasive meningococcal infections caused by serogroups A, C, W₁₃₅ and Y from the age of 1 year (NIMENRIX) or 2 years (MENVEO).
The need for vaccination against serogroups A, W₁₃₅ and Y is confined to particular populations: primarily certain research laboratory workers, certain individuals with risk factors for invasive meningococcal infections and individuals travelling to endemic areas, especially pilgrims travelling to Mecca.
These vaccines have been available in hospitals and at vaccination centres since 2010 and are now reimbursable for supply by pharmacists only for individuals with risk factors for invasive meningococcal infections who are expected to benefit from long-lasting protection extended to include serogroups A, C, W₁₃₅ and Y.