Knowra Meningococcal vaccine Meningococcal vaccine A vaccine that protects against disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis , including meningitis and bloodstream infections. Products target different meningococcal serogroups and use different vaccine technologies.
Neisseria meningitidis : A bacterium that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections, especially in humans. It is the pathogen these vaccines are designed to prevent.
MenACWY vaccine : A meningococcal conjugate vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, W, and Y. It is the principal multiserogroup vaccine used in routine programs and travel protection.
Antibody : An immune protein that binds a specific target and can neutralize it or mark it for destruction. Vaccine-induced antibodies help clear meningococci before invasive disease develops.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine : A vaccine protecting against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Its serogroup coverage differs from vaccines directed at serogroup B.
Meningococcal serogroup : A classification of meningococci based on differences in their capsular polysaccharides. Serogroups determine which strains a vaccine targets.
MenB vaccine : A vaccine targeting serogroup B meningococci using selected bacterial protein antigens. It supplements MenACWY because that vaccine does not protect against serogroup B.
Bactericidal antibody : An antibody that promotes bacterial killing, often by recruiting complement proteins. Serum bactericidal activity is a central measure of meningococcal vaccine protection.
Meningococcal group B vaccine : A vaccine targeting meningococcal serogroup B through protein antigens. It addresses a serogroup not included in ACWY products.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine : A vaccine that links meningococcal capsule sugars to a carrier protein to improve immune responses. Conjugate products protect against selected serogroups and can reduce carriage.
Meningococcal vaccine schedule : The recommended ages and intervals for administering meningococcal vaccines and boosters. Schedules vary by product, age, risk, and national guidance.
Show all 22