Preparedness for and response to meningococcal outbreaks – a pilot study of the immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and tolerability of two schedules of a 4CmenB vaccine in adolescents and young adults

4CMenB vaccine for immunization against meningococcal B disease has recently been authorized in Canada. MenB infections are rare; therefore universal publicly funded programs are not commonly implemented with the exception of places where the disease is regularly found among particular people or in a certain area, or during an epidemic of the disease.

Currently, the two dose regimen (doses separated by 2 months) is not well suited to for outbreak management. This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of an accelerated 4CMenB schedule, and to determine if the accelerated schedule (when compared to the standard schedule) is safe and tolerable. The study could potentially increase the capacity for rapid outbreak control in an epidemic situation.

Team Members:

  • Joanne Langley, Project Lead, Dalhousie University
  • David Scheifele, University of British Columbia
  • Mark Loeb, McMaster University
  • Caroline Quach, Laval University
  • Anthony Schryvers, University of Calgary
  • Raymond Tsang, Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Joenel Alcantara, University of Calgary
  • Julie Bettinger, University of British Columbia
  • Simon Dobson, University of British Columbia
  • Bruce Smith, Dalhousie University