• Meningococcal B
  • For People with Risk Factors

Are microbiologists recommended to receive MenB vaccine? And if so, how frequently?

ACIP recommends that microbiologists who work with meningococcal isolates in a laboratory receive both MenB and MenACWY vaccines. MenB can be given at the same time as any other vaccine. For accelerated protection, you can administer a 3-dose series of Bexsero (MenB-4C) or Trumenba (MenB-FHbp) on a 0-, 1–2-, and 6-month schedule. If dose 2 is delayed and administered 6 months or longer after dose 1, the primary series is complete.

Because protective antibody levels begin to wane within 1–2 years after completing the primary series, ACIP recommends a booster dose of MenB one year after completing the primary series, followed by a booster dose every 2–3 years thereafter, as long as risk remains. MenB vaccine brands work differently and are not interchangeable. All doses, including booster doses, should be of the same type (either MenB-FHbp or MenB-4C). If the primary series type is not known or is not available, restart the primary series with the available brand.

Microbiologists may receive a dose of MenABCWY (Penbraya, Pfizer) as an alternative to separate administration of MenACWY and MenB (MenB-FHbp, Trumenba) when both vaccines would be given on the same clinic day and at least 6 months have elapsed since most recent Penbraya dose.

Last reviewed: November 15, 2024

This page was updated on .