What is meningitis?

Meningococcal disease, known as meningitis, is an uncommon but serious disease. It is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis that can result in an infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria can also cause septicemia, a potentially fatal infection of the bloodstream.

Two teens sharing an iced coffee

What causes meningitis?

There are 5 vaccine-preventable groups of meningococcal bacteria—A, B, C, W, and Y—that can cause a meningitis infection and can lead to severe, lifelong complications such as limb amputation and hearing loss or even death.

Who can get meningitis?

While anyone can get meningitis, adolescents and young adults between 16-23 years are at increased risk. Adolescents and young adults have the highest rate of carrying meningococcal bacteria—1 in 10 people may be a carrier, having the bacteria in their nose and throat without being sick. However, that bacteria is not as contagious as, for example, the flu.

 

Most carriers do not show symptoms nor get sick, but can still spread the bacteria. Carriers or people with meningitis can spread the bacteria through certain everyday behaviors like kissing, coughing, sneezing, living in close quarters, and sharing drinks, food, or vapes.

The impact of meningitis

Early symptoms of meningitis, such as a sudden fever, headache, or stiff neck, may be confused for those of the flu. However, symptoms can progress rapidly and lead to death, sometimes within 24 hours.

About 1 in 10 people who contract meningitis will die.

 

Up to 1 in 5 survivors have long-term consequences like hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputation.

Why 5-in-1 meningitis vaccination is important

Teen talking to her doctor in an exam room

Millions of teens are not vaccinated against ALL 5 vaccine-preventable groups of meningitis—A, B, C, W, and Y. Even if your teen has been vaccinated in the past, they may still be missing vaccination against certain meningitis groups, which may leave them vulnerable to this uncommon but serious disease that can cause lifelong complications or even death.

 

The CDC* has vaccination recommendations for ALL 5 vaccine-preventable groups of meningitis—A, B, C, W, and Y—that have historically caused most cases of meningitis.

 

*US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Vaccination may not protect all recipients.

PENMENVY can help protect from ALL 5 vaccine-preventable meningitis groups—A, B, C, W, and Y.

Approved Uses and Important Safety Information for PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO

What are PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO?

Important Safety Information About PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO

What are PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO?

PENMENVY is an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y in individuals 10 through 25 years of age.

 

BEXSERO is an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroup B. BEXSERO is approved for use in individuals aged 10 through 25 years.

 

MENVEO is an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MENVEO does not prevent disease caused by serogroup B infections. MENVEO is approved for use in individuals 2 months through 55 years of age.  

Important Safety Information About PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO

  • Anyone who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of PENMENVY, to one of its ingredients, or to any other diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine should not receive PENMENVY
  • Anyone who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MENVEO, to one of its ingredients, or to any other diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine should not receive MENVEO
  • Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of BEXSERO or who had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose should not receive BEXSERO
  • For BEXSERO, the tip cap of the prefilled syringe may or may not be made with natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex may cause allergic reactions
  • Fainting can happen after getting PENMENVY, BEXSERO, or MENVEO. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to fainting
  • PENMENVY, BEXSERO, or MENVEO may not protect all vaccine recipients
  • Some individuals with weakened immune systems, including those receiving immunosuppressive treatment, may have reduced immune responses to PENMENVY, BEXSERO, or MENVEO
  • Individuals with certain complement deficiencies and individuals receiving treatment that inhibits complement function are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis, including disease caused by groups A, B, C, W, and Y, even after being vaccinated with PENMENVY, BEXSERO, or MENVEO
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported following administration of another US-licensed meningococcal vaccine for groups A, C, W, and Y. Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of PENMENVY or MENVEO if you have a history of GBS
  • For PENMENVY, the most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site; fatigue; headache; muscle pain; and nausea
  • For BEXSERO, the most common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; fatigue; headache; nausea; and muscle pain
  • For MENVEO, the most common side effects among adolescents and adults aged 11 through 55 years who received a single dose of MENVEO were pain at the injection site; headache; muscle pain; malaise; and nausea. Across all age groups, some events were severe. Similar side effects among adolescents and adults occurred following a single booster dose
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO. Only a healthcare provider can decide if PENMENVY, BEXSERO, and MENVEO are right for you or your child

 

Prescribing Information for PENMENVY (Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, and Y Vaccine)

 

Prescribing Information for BEXSERO (Meningococcal Group B Vaccine)

 

Prescribing Information for MENVEO [Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Oligosaccharide Diphtheria CRM197 Conjugate Vaccine]

You are encouraged to report vaccine adverse events to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Visit www.vaers.hhs.gov to file a report or call 1-800-822-7967. You may also file a report with GSK at gsk.public.reportum.com or 1-888-825-5249.
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Explore the GSK Help Center website to find customer service support and contact information.

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If you have questions about how to access your GSK medication or need cost information, visit gskforyou.com or call 1-866-GSK-FOR-U (1-866-475-3678).