The Maryland VFC program will allow VFC providers to request in writing serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine (MenB) for the following VFC-eligible groups:

• Children aged 10 through 18 years at increased risk for meningococcal disease attributable to serogroup B, including (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6422.pdf):

• Children who have persistent complement component deficiencies (including inherited or chronic deficiencies in C3, C5-C9, properdin, factor H, or factor D or taking eculizumab [Soliris®])
• Children who have anatomic or functional asplenia, including sickle cell disease
• Children identified to be at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak attributable to serogroup B

• Children aged 16 through18 years without high risk conditions may also be vaccinated. 

At its June 2015 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that a MenB vaccine series MAY BE administered to VFC-eligible persons 16 through 18 years. This category B (permissive) recommendation allows for individual clinical decision-making, and will enable coverage of MenB vaccines by the Maryland VFC program for VFC-eligible 16-18 year olds.

VFC-Eligible MenB Recommended Vaccination 

Schedule and Intervals

ACIP stated no preference for the use of either of the two currently licensed MenB vaccines, Bexsero or Trumenba. However, because the vaccines are antigenically different, the same product should be used to complete the series for each of the vaccines.

To request doses of MenB for VFC-eligible children please fax a letter to the VFC program, 410-333-5893, please include:

• A justification for the doses (include VFC eligibility for the patient(s));
• Number of doses requested; and
• Brand preference (the same product should be used to complete the series for each of the vaccines).