Real-world implementation of 4-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB): implications for clinical practices.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease due to serogroup B (MenB) is an uncommon but life-threatening disease. The 4-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) is the only MenB vaccine with real-world evidence supporting a reduction in incidence without safety concerns. AREAS COVERED: We reviewed recommendations and real-world implementation of 4CMenB in National Immunization Programs (NIPs) and implications for clinical practice through a non-systematic literature search. EXPERT OPINION: 4CMenB is registered in 45 countries, 33 of which recommend it clinically: nine for infants, children, adolescents, and high-risk groups; 11 for infants and high-risk groups; the US for individuals aged 16-23 years and high-risk groups; two for infants; 10 for high-risk groups and/or outbreak control. Dosing schedule varies between countries. To date, nine countries include 4CMenB in their NIP: UK, Andorra, Ireland, Italy, San Marino, Lithuania, Malta, Czech Republic, and Portugal. Australia funds it for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 2 years, and high-risk individuals. South Australia funds for all infants and adolescents. Many factors influenced introduction into NIPs: disease burden, public awareness, cost-effectiveness, prior meningococcal vaccination programs, efficacy and safety profile. In the future, more countries might consider including 4CMenB in their NIP due to growing evidence on effectiveness and safety.

Immunogenicity, safety, and effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.

Influenza is associated with an increased risk of complications, especially in diabetic mellitus patients who are more susceptible to influenza infection. Despite recommendations of the WHO and public health authorities, vaccination uptake in this population remains suboptimal. This systematic review identified 15 studies published between January 2000-March 2017 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, which provided data on immunogenicity, safety, effectiveness, and/or cost-effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination in diabetic patients. Immunogenicity of seasonal influenza vaccination in diabetic patients was generally comparable to that of healthy participants. One month after vaccination of diabetic patients, seroconversion rates and seroprotection ranged from 24.0-58.0% and 29.0-99.0%, respectively. Seasonal influenza vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization and mortality in diabetic patients, particularly those aged ≥65 years. These review results demonstrate and reinforce the need and value of annual influenza vaccination in diabetic patients, particularly in alleviating severe complications such as hospitalization or death.