ACIP recommends GSK’s MenABCWY Vaccine for US adolescents

USA—British pharmaceutical giant GSK has announced that its new five-in-one meningococcal vaccine, Penmenvy, has received a favorable recommendation from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

This recommendation represents a significant move toward simplifying and enhancing protection for US adolescents and young adults against invasive meningococcal disease, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.

Penmenvy, also referred to as the MenABCWY vaccine, provides protection against five key serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis: A, B, C, W, and Y.

Currently, US immunization guidelines require that adolescents—typically starting at age 16—receive two separate vaccines: one for serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) and another for serogroup B (MenB).

The new ACIP recommendation suggests that individuals aged 10 and older can opt for a single dose of Penmenvy instead of receiving both vaccines during the same clinic visit.

If the CDC adopts this recommendation, it will be published as official guidance, impacting healthcare providers’ practices and insurance coverage nationwide.

 This change is anticipated to streamline the vaccination process by reducing the required injections, potentially leading to higher immunisation rates among adolescents, who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Penmenvy blends the antigenic components from two of GSK’s established vaccines: Bexsero (which targets serogroup B) and Menveo (which targets serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Penmenvy in February 2025 for individuals aged 10 to 25, following positive outcomes from clinical trials involving over 4,800 participants.

These trials confirmed that the safety profile of Penmenvy aligns with that of GSK’s existing meningococcal vaccines.

Tony Wood, GSK’s chief scientific officer, expressed his support for the ACIP’s recommendation, highlighting how pentavalent vaccines like Penmenvy can reduce the number of injections needed to protect against invasive meningococcal disease, particularly those caused by serogroup B.

 He pointed out that this could significantly boost immunization rates among US adolescents and young adults, who are especially vulnerable to this disease.

Despite the serious threat posed by serogroup B, vaccination rates remain low.

According to CDC data from 2023, fewer than 13% of 17-year-olds in the US completed the recommended two-dose MenB vaccination series, with only around 32% receiving at least one dose.

GSK produces three out of every four MenB vaccine doses given in the US, positioning the company to lead the rollout of the new combined vaccine.

 The CDC will review the ACIP’s recommendation, and if approved, Penmenvy could be added to the official adolescent immunization schedule as early as summer 2025.

This change could make meningococcal protection more accessible and efficient, ultimately helping to safeguard more young people against this severe disease.

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