Version July 2025
Dosage guidance:
Dosing: According to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), doses administered ≤4 days before minimum interval or age are considered valid; however, local or state mandates may supersede this timeframe (Ref).
Dosage form information:
Meningococcal B vaccine series must be completed with a product from the same manufacturer (eg, MenB-FHbp [Trumenba] to follow Penbraya) (Ref).
The ACIP has not yet released recommendations for Penmenvy, including information regarding interchangeability.
Meningococcal disease, prevention:
Penbraya: Note: Not recommended for use in patients who have initiated therapy with a product from a different manufacturer (eg, MenB-4C [Bexsero]) (Ref).
Persons at increased risk for meningococcal disease or healthy adults ≤23 years of age: IM: ~0.5 mL/dose as an alternative to separate administration of MenACWY and MenB when both would have been given on same clinic day. If additional dose(s) is needed, then administer ≥6 months after previous dose. Do not administer second dose sooner than 6 months; if second dose is needed before 6 months have elapsed (eg, patients who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease), use individual products (ie, MenACWY and/or MenB-FHbp) (Ref).
Penmenvy: Adults ≤25 years of age: IM: ~0.5 mL/dose administered as a 2-dose series at 0 and 6 months.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Pentavalent meningococcal vaccines (MenABCWY): Pediatric drug information")
Dosage guidance:
Dosing: According to ACIP, doses administered ≤4 days before minimum interval or age are considered valid; however, local or state mandates may supersede this timeframe (Ref).
Dosage form information: Meningococcal B vaccine series must be completed with a product from the same manufacturer (eg, MenB-FHbp [Trumenba] to follow Penbraya or Bexsero to follow Penmenvy) (Ref).
Meningococcal disease, prevention:
Penbraya (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp): Children ≥10 years and Adolescents: IM: ~0.5 mL (entire contents of reconstituted vial) per dose for 2 doses administered 6 months apart (Ref). ACIP recommends use as an alternative to separate administration of MenACWY and MenB when both would have been given on the same day. Do not administer second dose sooner than 6 months; if second dose is needed before 6 months have elapsed (eg, patients who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease), use individual products (ie, MenACWY and/or MenB-FHbp) (Ref).
Penmenvy: Children ≥10 years and Adolescents: IM: ~0.5 mL (entire contents of reconstituted vial) per dose for 2 doses administered 6 months apart (Ref). Note: Guidance from ACIP on the use of this vaccine is pending.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Adverse reactions reported in children, adolescents, and adults.
>10%:
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (8% to 11%), nausea (10% to 15%)
Local: Erythema at injection site (5% to 26%), pain at injection site (74% to 92%), swelling at injection site (4% to 25%)
Nervous system: Chills (16% to 20%), fatigue (33% to 52%), headache (33% to 47%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (6% to 20%), myalgia (12% to 26%)
1% to 10%:
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting (2% to 3%)
Local: Induration at injection site (4% to 9%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (2% to 6%)
Frequency not defined:
Cardiovascular: Presyncope, syncope
Hematologic & oncologic: Lymphadenopathy
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction
Nervous system: Dizziness, seizure
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Connective tissue disease
Severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or any component of the formulation; severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine (Penmenvy only).
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reactions: Immediate treatment (including injectable epinephrine 1 mg/mL) for anaphylactoid and/or hypersensitivity reactions should be available during vaccine use (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
• Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration: Vaccine administration that is too high on the upper arm may cause shoulder injury (eg, shoulder bursitis, tendinopathy) resulting in shoulder pain and reduced range of motion following injection. Use proper injection technique for vaccines administered in the deltoid muscle (eg, injecting in the central, thickest part of the muscle) to reduce the risk of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (Cross 2016; Foster 2013).
• Syncope: Syncope has been reported with use of injectable vaccines and may result in serious secondary injury (eg, skull fracture, cerebral hemorrhage); typically reported in adolescents and young adults and within 15 minutes after vaccination. Procedures should be in place to avoid injuries from falling and to restore cerebral perfusion if syncope occurs (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
Disease-related concerns:
• Acute illness: The decision to administer or delay vaccination because of current or recent febrile illness depends on the severity of symptoms and the etiology of the disease. Postpone administration in patients with moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever); vaccination should not be delayed for patients with mild acute illness (with or without fever) (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
• Bleeding disorders: Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders (including thrombocytopenia); bleeding/hematoma may occur from IM administration; if the patient receives antihemophilia or other similar therapy, IM injection can be scheduled shortly after such therapy is administered (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome has been temporally associated with a different meningococcal vaccine. Weigh benefits/risks in patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome prior to administration of MenABCWY.
• Meningococcal infections: Vaccine may not provide protection against all circulating meningococcal group B strains.
• Tetanus immunization: Immunization with MenABCWY (Penbraya) does not substitute for routine tetanus immunization.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Anticoagulant therapy: Use with caution in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy; bleeding/hematoma may occur from IM administration (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
• Vaccines: To maximize vaccination rates, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends simultaneous administration (ie, >1 vaccine on the same day at different anatomic sites) of all age-appropriate vaccines (live or nonlive) for which a person is eligible at a single visit, unless contraindications exist (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
Special populations:
• Altered immunocompetence: Postpone vaccination during periods of severe immunosuppression (eg, patients receiving chemo-/radiation therapy, other immunosuppressive therapy [including high-dose corticosteroids]) if appropriate; may have a reduced response to vaccination. In general, household and close contacts of persons with altered immunocompetence may receive all age-appropriate vaccines. Nonlive vaccines should be administered ≥2 weeks prior to planned immunosuppression when feasible; nonlive vaccines administered during chemotherapy should be readministered after immune competence is regained (ACIP [Kroger 2023]; IDSA [Rubin 2014]).
Dosage form specific issues:
• Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). Thrombocytopenia, ascites, pulmonary deterioration, and kidney and hepatic failure have been reported in premature neonates after receiving parenteral products containing polysorbate 80 (Alade 1986; CDC 1984). See manufacturer's labeling.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Antipyretics: Antipyretics have not been shown to prevent febrile seizures; antipyretics may be used to treat fever or discomfort following vaccination (ACIP [Kroger 2023]). One study reported that routine prophylactic administration of acetaminophen prior to vaccination to prevent fever decreased the immune response of some vaccines; the clinical significance of this reduction in immune response has not been established (Prymula 2009).
• Appropriate use: Specific recommendations for use of vaccines in immunocompromised patients with asplenia, cancer, HIV infection, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, cochlear implants, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (prior to or after), sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant (prior to or after), or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy for chronic conditions are available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA [Rubin 2014]).
• Effective immunity: Vaccination may not result in effective immunity in all patients. Response depends upon multiple factors (eg, type of vaccine, age of patient) and may be improved by administering the vaccine at the recommended dose, route, and interval (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
Penmenvy: FDA approved February 2025; anticipated availability currently unknown.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Suspension Reconstituted, Intramuscular [preservative free]:
Penbraya: (1 ea) [contains polysorbate 80]
No
IM: Prior to using, the powder (MenACWY vial) must be reconstituted with the liquid (MenB syringe). Administer by IM injection into the deltoid muscle (Ref). Use proper injection technique in the deltoid muscle (eg, injecting in the central, thickest part of the muscle) to reduce the risk of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (Ref). Do not mix with other vaccines or injections; separate needles and syringes should be used for each injection. To prevent syncope-related injuries, adults should be vaccinated while seated or lying down (Ref). US law requires that the date of administration, the vaccine manufacturer, lot number of vaccine, vaccine information statement edition date and date it was provided, and the administering person's name, title, and address be recorded.
For patients at risk of hemorrhage following IM injection, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the vaccine should be administered IM if, in the opinion of the physician familiar with the patient's bleeding risk, the vaccine can be administered by this route with reasonable safety. If the patient receives antihemophilia or other similar therapy, IM vaccination can be scheduled shortly after such therapy is administered. A fine needle (23-gauge or smaller) can be used for the vaccination and firm pressure applied to the site (without rubbing) for at least 2 minutes. The patient should be instructed concerning the risk of hematoma from the injection. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should be considered to have the same bleeding risks and treated as those with clotting factor disorders (Ref).
Note: Prior to using, the powder (MenACWY vial) must be reconstituted with the liquid (MenB syringe).
IM: Administer by IM injection; if administering in the deltoid muscle, use proper injection technique (eg, injecting in the central, thickest part of the muscle) to reduce the risk of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (Ref). Do not mix with other vaccines or injections; separate needles and syringes should be used for each injection. To prevent syncope-related injuries, adolescents should be vaccinated while seated or lying down (Ref). US law requires that the date of administration, the vaccine manufacturer, lot number of vaccine, vaccine information statement edition date and date it was provided, and the administering person's name, title, and address be recorded.
For patients at risk of hemorrhage, the vaccine should be administered IM if, in the opinion of the physician familiar with the patient's bleeding risk, the vaccine can be administered by this route with reasonable safety. If the patient receives antihemophilia or other similar therapy, IM vaccination can be scheduled shortly after such therapy is administered. A fine needle (23-gauge or smaller) can be used for the vaccination and firm pressure applied to the site (without rubbing) for at least 2 minutes. The patient should be instructed concerning the risk of hematoma from the injection. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should be considered to have the same bleeding risks and treated as those with clotting factor disorders (Ref).
In the United States, the appropriate CDC-approved Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) must be provided to the patient/caregiver before administering each dose of this vaccine; the VIS edition date and date it was provided to the patient/caregiver should be recorded as required by US law; VIS is available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/meningococcal-acwy.html and https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/meningococcal-b.html.
Meningococcal disease prevention: Active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y in patients 10 to 25 years of age.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations:
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the meningococcal (groups A/B/C/W/Y) vaccine (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbp [Penbraya]) may be used when both the meningococcal (groups A/C/W/Y) conjugate vaccine and meningococcal group B vaccine are indicated at the same visit for either of the following (ACIP/CDC [Collins 2024]). Note: The ACIP has not yet published recommendations regarding Penmenvy.
• Healthy persons 16 to 23 years of age as part of the routine immunization schedule, when shared clinical decision-making favors administration of MenB vaccine.
• Persons ≥10 years of age who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.
MenABCWY (Penbraya or Penmenvy) may be confused with MenACWY-D (Menactra [Canadian product]), MenACWY-CRM (Menveo), MenACWY-TT (MenQuadfi), or MenB (Bexsero or Trumenba).
Penbraya may be confused with Penmenvy.
Penbraya and Penmenvy are each supplied as one vial containing MenACWY powder and one prefilled syringe containing MenB liquid which must be mixed together in order to administer the recommended vaccine components. Ensure proper preparation before administering.
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acetaminophen: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines. Management: Consider avoiding routine prophylactic use of acetaminophen before or during vaccine administration when possible. Acetaminophen is still recommended to treat fevers and/or pain that occurs after vaccination. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Anti-CD20 B-Cell Depleting Therapies: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiation or 6 months after anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapies. If vaccinated prior to B cell recovery, consider assessing immune response to vaccination. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Atidarsagene Autotemcel: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Vaccines. Atidarsagene Autotemcel may decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines. Risk X: Avoid
Cladribine: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to starting cladribine when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before initiating or during cladribine should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is complete Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Corticosteroids (Systemic): May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Administer vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to immunosuppressive corticosteroids if possible. If patients are vaccinated less than 14 days prior to or during such therapy, repeat vaccination at least 3 months after therapy if immunocompetence restored. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dinutuximab Beta: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Risk X: Avoid
Elivaldogene Autotemcel: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Vaccines. Specifically, there may be a greater risk for contracting an infection from any live vaccine. Elivaldogene Autotemcel may decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines. Management: Administration of vaccines is not recommended in the 6 weeks before myeloablative conditioning, and until hematologic recovery after elivaldogene autotemcel treatment. Risk X: Avoid
Fingolimod: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting fingolimod. If vaccinated during fingolimod therapy, revaccinate 2 to 3 months after fingolimod discontinuation. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Immunosuppressants (Cytotoxic Chemotherapy): May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to starting chemotherapy when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before or during chemotherapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is complete. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents): May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressants when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before or during therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is complete. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Immunosuppressants (Therapeutic Immunosuppressant Agents): May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to starting immunosuppressants when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before or during therapy should be revaccinated at least 2 to 3 months after therapy is complete. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methotrexate: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Administer vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to methotrexate initiation, if possible. If patients are vaccinated less than 14 days prior to or during methotrexate therapy, repeat vaccination at least 3 months after therapy if immunocompetence restored. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Propacetamol: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines. Management: Consider avoiding routine prophylactic use of propacetamol before or during vaccine administration when possible. Propacetamol is still recommended to treat fevers and/or pain that occurs after vaccination. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Siponimod: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Avoid administration of non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines during treatment with siponimod and for 1 month after discontinuation due to potential decreased vaccine efficacy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Teplizumab: May decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Vaccination with non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines is not recommended in the 2 weeks prior to teplizumab therapy, during treatment, or for 6 weeks following completion of therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Adverse events were not observed in a developmental toxicity study conducted with Penmenvy in rabbits; developmental toxicity studies have not been conducted for Penbraya.
Vaccination should be deferred during pregnancy unless the patient is at high risk for meningococcal disease. If needed, administration of a vaccine with data during pregnancy is recommended (eg, meningococcal (groups A / C / Y and W-135) conjugate vaccine) (ACIP/CDC [Collins 2024]).
Data collection to monitor pregnancy and infant outcomes following vaccination with Penbraya is ongoing. Health care providers are encouraged to enroll patients exposed to this vaccine during pregnancy in the pregnancy registry (1-877-390-2953); patients may also enroll themselves.
It is not known if the components of this vaccine are present in breast milk.
Vaccination should be deferred in patients who are breastfeeding unless the patient is at high risk for meningococcal disease. If needed, administration of a vaccine with data in lactating patients is recommended (eg, meningococcal (groups A / C / Y and W-135) conjugate vaccine) (ACIP/CDC [Collins 2024]).
According to the manufacturer, the decision to breastfeed following vaccination should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and the benefits of treatment to the mother. Inactivated vaccines do not affect the safety of breastfeeding for the mother or the infant (ACIP [Kroger 2023]).
Monitor for hypersensitivity and syncope for 15 minutes following administration (ACIP [Kroger 2023]). If seizure-like activity associated with syncope occurs, maintain patient in supine or Trendelenburg position to reestablish adequate cerebral perfusion.
Induces immunity against meningococcal disease via the formation of bactericidal antibodies directed toward the polysaccharide capsular components of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. Penbraya targets the fHbp subfamily A and B variants of N. meningitidis group B; Penmenvy targets the protein antigens NHBA, NadA, fHbp, and OMV expressed by serogroup B meningococcal strains.
