title: A Licensed Combined Haemophilus influenzae Type b-Serogroups C and Y Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine.
abstract: The highest incidence of meningococcal disease occurs in infants younger than 1 year of age. However, in the US, prior to June 2012, there was no meningococcal vaccine licensed for use in this age group. In the US, where both serogroups C and Y contribute substantially to the overall epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, a vaccine combining these capsular polysaccharides was developed. We review the newly licensed HibMenCY-TT (MenHibrix™, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium), a novel vaccine containing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and serogroups C and Y Neisseria meningitidis conjugated to tetanus toxoid. We describe the vaccine, summarize the clinical trial data, and describe the patient populations recommended to receive HibMenCY-TT as their primary vaccination against Hib. Phase II and III clinical trials found HibMenCY-TT to be well tolerated, safe, and immunogenic when administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age for primary vaccination against both Hib and serogroups C and Y meningococcal disease. In October 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practice in the US recommended HibMenCY-TT vaccination for infants at increased risk of meningococcal disease. HibMenCY-TT may be given concomitantly with other routine infant vaccines. It induces antibodies against Hib as well as bactericidal activity against meningococcal serogroup C and Y without increasing the number of injections required. As meningococcal disease epidemiology is dynamic, global surveillance remains essential. In the future, other countries may also benefit from the addition of HibMenCY-TT into their vaccine armamentarium against meningococcal disease.
authors.affiliation: Vaccine and Immunisation Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Kirsten.perrett@rch.org.au.
authors.forename: Kirsten P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Perrett
authors.forename: Terry M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Nolan
authors.forename: Jodie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McVernon