This policy statement provides recommendations for the prevention of serogroup B 
meningococcal disease through the use of 2 newly licensed serogroup B 
meningococcal vaccines: MenB-FHbp (Trumenba; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary 
of Pfizer, Philadelphia, PA) and MenB-4C (Bexsero; Novartis Vaccines, Siena, 
Italy). Both vaccines are approved for use in persons 10 through 25 years of 
age. MenB-FHbp is licensed as a 2- or 3-dose series, and MenB-4C is licensed as 
a 2-dose series for all groups. Either vaccine is recommended for routine use in 
persons 10 years and older who are at increased risk of serogroup B 
meningococcal disease (category A recommendation). Persons at increased risk of 
meningococcal serogroup B disease include the following: (1) persons with 
persistent complement component diseases, including inherited or chronic 
deficiencies in C3, C5-C9, properdin, factor D, or factor H or persons receiving 
eculizumab (Soliris; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, CT), a monoclonal 
antibody that acts as a terminal complement inhibitor by binding C5 and 
inhibiting cleavage of C5 to C5A; (2) persons with anatomic or functional 
asplenia, including sickle cell disease; and (3) healthy persons at increased 
risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. Both serogroup B 
meningococcal vaccines have been shown to be safe and immunogenic and are 
licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration for individuals between the ages 
of 10 and 25 years. On the basis of epidemiologic and antibody persistence data, 
the American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with the Advisory Committee on 
Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that 
either vaccine may be administered to healthy adolescents and young adults 16 
through 23 years of age (preferred ages are 16 through 18 years) to provide 
short-term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease 
(category B recommendation).