ACIP Recommends RSV, Meningitis Vaccines for Adults

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the use of GSK’s MenABCWY pentavalent meningococcal vaccine for healthy individuals aged 16–23 when both MenACWY and MenB vaccines are indicated, as well as for those aged 10 or older at increased risk for meningococcal disease. This new combination vaccine offers an alternative to separate MenACWY and MenB shots and is expected to simplify dosing and potentially improve immunization rates among adolescents and young adults. ACIP also endorsed the expansion of RSV vaccination for adults aged 50–59 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, with further clinical guidance to be published soon. Additionally, the panel supported use of a newly approved chikungunya vaccine for travelers aged 12 and older to outbreak areas, and recommended caution with the older live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine in people over 65 due to reports of serious adverse events. These recommendations now await final CDC adoption and publication as official guidelines. The meeting also highlighted logistical concerns about stocking multiple meningococcal vaccines and ongoing safety reviews for expanding vaccine use to younger infants.