Meningococcal vaccine groups A C Y W-135 conjugate (second generation)(Sanofi)

Introduction in Korea of MenQuadfi, a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine eligible for use from 6 weeks of age Expansion of infant and pediatric immunization portfolios in line with global vaccination practices Establishment of a proactive infectious disease prevention strategy and growth objectives based on domestic and global partnerships SK bioscience announced the new domestic launch of MenQuadfi Injection (MenQuadfi, MenACWY-TT), a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, in partnership with the Korean affiliate of global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi. Developed by Sanofi, MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals from 6 weeks of age through 55 years and is indicated for the prevention of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) caused by the major meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Notably, among A, C, W, Y meningococcal vaccines approved in Korea, MenQuadfi is the only product that both includes serogroup A and is approved for use in infants aged 6 weeks to under 24 months. SK bioscience will be responsible for the domestic distribution and supply of the vaccine for infant and pediatric populations. MenQuadfi is distinguished by its fully liquid formulation, allowing for direct administration without the need for reconstitution. This simplifies vaccine preparation, enhances clinical workflow efficiency, and helps reduce the risk of preparation-related errors in healthcare settings. The vaccine is administered as a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, with dosing schedules as follows: -Infants aged 6 weeks to under 6 months: a total of four doses-Infants aged 6 months to under 24 months: two doses- Individuals aged 2 to 55 years: one dose Meningococcal disease is transmitted through respiratory secretions, such as nasal discharge or saliva, and can be spread even by asymptomatic carriers, underscoring the importance of prevention. The bacterium may colonize the nasopharynx without symptoms and, under certain conditions, invade the bloodstream or central nervous system, leading to meningitis or septicemia. The risk of transmission is particularly elevated in close-contact settings, including households and communal living environments. Reflecting these characteristics, major developed countries?including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada?have incorporated meningococcal vaccination for infants, children, and adolescents into national immunization programs or administer it as part of officially recommended routine vaccination schedules. This approach represents a proactive prevention strategy, accounting for the disease’s unpredictable transmission patterns, high case-fatality rates, and the burden of long-term sequelae. In Korea, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends meningococcal vaccination for individuals at increased risk of infection, including immunocompromised patients, laboratory personnel, new military recruits, university dormitory residents, travelers to or residents of endemic regions, and close contacts during outbreaks. Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience said “Through the introduction of MenQuadfi, we have expanded preventive options against invasive meningococcal disease for infants and children in Korea. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen the domestic infectious disease prevention environment through global partnerships and ensure a stable supply of vaccines that contribute to public health advancement.” SK bioscience has been supplying a range of infant and pediatric vaccines in Korea in collaboration with Sanofi, including the hexavalent combination vaccine Hexaxim. Since last year, the company has also launched Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody injection for RSV prevention, expanding its use primarily among infants. Leveraging a portfolio that spans both vaccines and preventive antibodies, SK bioscience plans to respond with an increasingly proactive prevention strategy to major infectious diseases threatening the health of infants and children in Korea. SK bioscience announced the new domestic launch of MenQuadfi Injection (MenQuadfi, MenACWY-TT), a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, in partnership with the Korean affiliate of global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi. Developed by Sanofi, MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals from 6 weeks of age through 55 years and is indicated for the prevention of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) caused by the major meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Notably, among A, C, W, Y meningococcal vaccines approved in Korea, MenQuadfi is the only product that both includes serogroup A and is approved for use in infants aged 6 weeks to under 24 months. SK bioscience will be responsible for the domestic distribution and supply of the vaccine for infant and pediatric populations. MenQuadfi is distinguished by its fully liquid formulation, allowing for direct administration without the need for reconstitution. This simplifies vaccine preparation, enhances clinical workflow efficiency, and helps reduce the risk of preparation-related errors in healthcare settings. The vaccine is administered as a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, with dosing schedules as follows: -Infants aged 6 weeks to under 6 months: a total of four doses -Infants aged 6 months to under 24 months: two doses - Individuals aged 2 to 55 years: one dose Meningococcal disease is transmitted through respiratory secretions, such as nasal discharge or saliva, and can be spread even by asymptomatic carriers, underscoring the importance of prevention. The bacterium may colonize the nasopharynx without symptoms and, under certain conditions, invade the bloodstream or central nervous system, leading to meningitis or septicemia. The risk of transmission is particularly elevated in close-contact settings, including households and communal living environments. Reflecting these characteristics, major developed countries?including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada?have incorporated meningococcal vaccination for infants, children, and adolescents into national immunization programs or administer it as part of officially recommended routine vaccination schedules. This approach represents a proactive prevention strategy, accounting for the disease’s unpredictable transmission patterns, high case-fatality rates, and the burden of long-term sequelae. In Korea, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends meningococcal vaccination for individuals at increased risk of infection, including immunocompromised patients, laboratory personnel, new military recruits, university dormitory residents, travelers to or residents of endemic regions, and close contacts during outbreaks. Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience said “Through the introduction of MenQuadfi, we have expanded preventive options against invasive meningococcal disease for infants and children in Korea. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen the domestic infectious disease prevention environment through global partnerships and ensure a stable supply of vaccines that contribute to public health advancement.” SK bioscience has been supplying a range of infant and pediatric vaccines in Korea in collaboration with Sanofi, including the hexavalent combination vaccine Hexaxim. Since last year, the company has also launched Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody injection for RSV prevention, expanding its use primarily among infants. Leveraging a portfolio that spans both vaccines and preventive antibodies, SK bioscience plans to respond with an increasingly proactive prevention strategy to major infectious diseases threatening the health of infants and children in Korea.

TUESDAY, Aug. 19, 2025 -- From 2023 to 2024, coverage with one or more doses of the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) increased, while human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage remained stable, according to research published in the Aug. 14 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . Cassandra Pingali, M.P.H., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2024 National Immunization Survey-Teen to examine national, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage in 2024. Data were included for 16,325 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. The researchers found that coverage with one or more Tdap dose increased from 89.0 to 91.3 percent from 2023 to 2024; coverage with one or more MenACWY doses increased from 88.4 to 90.1 percent. For the third consecutive year, HPV vaccination coverage remained stable, with 78.2 and 62.9 percent of adolescents having received one or more doses and being up to date with the HPV vaccination series, respectively. Coverage with one or more Tdap doses and one or more MenACWY doses was ≥90 percent in 39 and 30 states, respectively, while coverage with one or more dose of the HPV vaccine was ≥80 percent in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Lower HPV vaccination coverage in nonmetropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) persisted compared with that seen in MSA principal cities. "Health departments can work with health care providers and communities to improve local vaccine access and increase adolescent vaccination coverage," the authors write. Abstract/Full Text