Menveo: The Official FDA Age Range
The most important detail regarding Menveo is its official Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication. The prescribing information for Menveo clearly states that it is indicated for use in individuals 2 months through 55 years of age. This means that once a person has turned 56, they are outside the age range for which this specific vaccine was tested and approved. The reason for this age limit is based on the data submitted to the FDA during the vaccine's clinical development, which did not include a cohort of older adults for whom safety and efficacy could be confidently established in the same manner as younger populations.
Why the age restriction?
The FDA approval process requires extensive clinical trials to ensure a vaccine is safe and effective for a specific population. Since the initial studies for Menveo did not include adults over 55, the manufacturer cannot market the vaccine for that age group. However, this does not mean older adults are left unprotected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recommendations for meningococcal vaccination that address different age groups and risk factors, offering guidance on alternative vaccines.
MenQuadfi: The Alternative for Adults Over 55
For adults who need meningococcal vaccination beyond the age of 55, there is an alternative: MenQuadfi. This meningococcal (groups A, C, W, Y) conjugate vaccine is approved for individuals 6 weeks of age and older, meaning there is no upper age limit for its use. This makes it the standard choice for older adults who require or are recommended to receive protection against these meningococcal serogroups.
Key differences in the approval process mean that MenQuadfi's clinical trials included data supporting its safety and effectiveness in a broader age range. This is a significant consideration for healthcare providers when evaluating vaccine options for older patients, especially those with pre-existing risk factors.
Who should get the MenQuadfi vaccine after age 55?
Vaccination against meningococcal disease is not routinely recommended for all adults over 55 but is advised for those who are at increased risk. The ACIP recommends MenACWY vaccines, like MenQuadfi, for certain high-risk groups, including:
- People with certain immune system conditions, such as complement component deficiency.
- Individuals with an asplenia (no spleen) or a damaged spleen, including those with sickle cell disease.
- Microbiologists who routinely work with N. meningitidis.
- Individuals with HIV infection.
- Those living in an area experiencing a meningococcal disease outbreak caused by serogroups A, C, W, or Y.
- Travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is endemic, such as parts of Africa.
This risk-based approach ensures that individuals who are most vulnerable to the disease receive appropriate protection, even if a vaccine like Menveo is not available to them due to age restrictions.
Comparison of Menveo and MenQuadfi
When considering vaccination options, a comparison of the key features of Menveo and MenQuadfi can be helpful. Both are quadrivalent conjugate vaccines, protecting against the same four meningococcal serogroups, but their approved age ranges and other characteristics differ.
| Feature | Menveo | MenQuadfi |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Age Range | 2 months through 55 years | 6 weeks and older |
| Serogroups Covered | A, C, W, Y | A, C, W, Y |
| Booster Dose | May be indicated for continued risk if at least 4 years have passed since the previous dose. | May be administered to individuals 13 and older if at least 3 years have passed since a previous MenACWY dose. |
| Interchangeability | Is interchangeable with MenQuadfi for individuals 2 years and older. | Is interchangeable with Menveo for individuals 2 years and older. |
| Primary Use for >55 | Not indicated due to age limit. | The indicated vaccine for adults over 55 who require vaccination. |
Making the Right Choice with a Healthcare Provider
For an adult over 55, the first step is to consult a healthcare provider to determine if a meningococcal vaccine is necessary based on their individual risk factors. The provider can assess any potential risks and exposure levels based on factors like travel history, medical conditions, and potential community outbreaks.
If vaccination is recommended, the provider will then prescribe MenQuadfi, the appropriate alternative for this age group. It is crucial to remember that vaccine eligibility and recommendations can be complex and should always be discussed with a medical professional to ensure the correct and safest course of action. Following official recommendations from health organizations like the CDC is the best way to stay protected from preventable diseases.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question, can Menveo be given after age 55? is a clear no, as its use is restricted by the FDA to individuals up to and including age 55. However, this does not leave older adults unprotected against the meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The availability of MenQuadfi, which is approved for individuals 6 weeks and older, provides a safe and effective alternative for those over 55 with specific risk factors. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the need for vaccination and to ensure the proper vaccine is administered based on age and health status.
Citations
- FDA. (2024, May 14). Package Insert - MENVEO - FDA. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/media/78514/download
- AAFP. (2020, October 7). ACIP Updates Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccination. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20201007meningococcalvacc.html
- Immunize.org. (2024, November 15). Ask The Experts About Vaccines: Meningococcal ACWY. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.immunize.org/ask-experts/topic/menacwy/
- NYS Dept of Health. (2022, August). Meningococcal Vaccine Q & A for Healthcare Providers. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/meningococcal/docs/meningococcal_qa.pdf
- CDC. (2025, March 15). Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine VIS. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/meningococcal-acwy.html
- FDA. (2020, April 24). Package Insert and Information for Patients - MenQuadfi - FDA. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/media/137306/download
