meningococcal conjugate vaccine (groups A, C, W, Y)

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (groups A, C, W, Y), commonly referred to as MenACWY, is a quadrivalent biologic vaccine designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. The vaccine is composed of capsular polysaccharides from each of these four serogroups, which are covalently linked to a carrier protein to enhance immunogenicity and induce a T-cell dependent immune response. Common carrier proteins include a non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin (CRM197) used in Menveo, tetanus toxoid used in MenQuadfi, and diphtheria toxoid used in the discontinued Menactra. This conjugation process is critical for stimulating immunological memory and providing protection across a wide age range, from infants to older adults. The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection and is a cornerstone of public health efforts to reduce the incidence of bacterial meningitis and septicemia.

Brand names

MenveoMenQuadfiMenactra

Other names

MenACWYMenACWY-CRMMenACWY-TTMenACWY-DQuadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine