GlaxoSmithKline announces that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for a Category B recommendation for meningococcal group B vaccination, including BEXSERO® (Meningococcal Group B Vaccine), in individuals aged 16 to 23 (with a preferred age of 16-18). This recommendation means that the decision to vaccinate against meningococcal group B will be made by qualified healthcare professionals, based on individual patient risk assessment. BEXSERO® was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2015 through an accelerated approval pathway for use in individuals aged 10 through 25 years and acquired by GSK in March 2015 following the closure of the three-part transaction with Novartis.
“GSK welcomes this vote as an important step forward to help protect against meningococcal disease in the U.S.,” says Patrick Desbiens, senior vice president of U.S. Vaccines for GSK. “Meningococcal disease is fast-moving, unpredictable and can cause irreversible damage, so vaccination is the best tool to help prevent it. Today’s vote is the latest milestone on a 20-year journey to develop a vaccine in order to help protect individuals from this devastating condition.”
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can be difficult to diagnose within 24 hours of symptom onset, and can leave those affected with lifelong disability. According to the CDC, each year there are 800-1,200 cases of all serogroups of meningococcal disease across all ages, and with an approximate 12 percent mortality rate. Five serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis [A, B, C, W-135 and Y] cause the majority of cases of meningococcal disease in the U.S. Meningococcal group B is one of the most prevalent serogroups, accounting for 32 percent of all reported U.S. cases in all age groups in 2013.
During the meeting, the ACIP also voted to include BEXSERO® in the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for ages 16 through 18. The ACIP voted in February for the use of meningococcal group B vaccines in people greater than 10 years of age at increased risk for meningococcal group B disease and this was published on June 12, 2015. The recommendation endorsed today by the ACIP will become final upon publication in a future Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
GSK is evaluating the safety and immune response of a pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (A, C, W-135, Y, plus B) which is now in Phase 2 research. GSK plans to continue to invest in vaccines against this disease as a key part of its growth strategy.
Source: GSK
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Breaking the Cycle of Silence: Why Sharps Injuries Go Unreported and What Can Be Done
Published: July 24th 2025 | Updated: July 23rd 2025Despite decades of progress in health care safety, a quiet but dangerous culture still lingers: many health care workers remain afraid to report sharps injuries, fearing blame more than the wound itself.
US Withdrawal From UNESCO Signals a Dangerous Step Back for Global Science
July 22nd 2025In a decision heavy with consequence and light on foresight, the US has once again chosen to walk away from UNESCO, leaving behind not just a seat at the table, but a legacy of global scientific leadership that now lies in question.
Pathogen Pulse: Facilities Need the SPD, Yersinia Enterocolitica Outbreak, and More
July 22nd 2025From unsterilized surgical tools in Colorado to a years-long methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in Virginia and a surging measles crisis in Canada, recent headlines reveal the fragile front lines of infection prevention and the high stakes when systems fail.
Telemedicine's Transformative Role in PPE Distribution and Sterile Equipment Management
July 22nd 2025In an era defined by digital transformation and post-pandemic urgency, telemedicine has evolved beyond virtual visits to become a vital infrastructure for delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and managing sterile supplies. By enabling real-time forecasting, remote quality control, and equitable distribution, telemedicine is revolutionizing how health care systems protect both patients and providers.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.