Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious disease that can result in death if not recognised and treated quickly.
Unfortunately, there is no single vaccine available that provides protection against the five common strains of the disease - A, B, C, W and Y. Babies aged 12 months and Year 10 students are given the MenACWY vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Program, but a vaccine covering the B strain must be purchased privately and the cost limits accessibility for many families.
With evidence of meningococcal epidemiology changing over time and across geographies, a combination vaccine with the broadest possible coverage is an important step in increasing protection against meningococcal disease.
Throughout 2022, we completed the recruitment for two studies investigating the safety and efficacy of two combination meningococcal vaccines.
BOOST Study
The BOOST Study was conducted to learn more about using a combination vaccine as a booster in healthy adolescents and young adults after previously receiving a MenACWY vaccine. Recruitment is now complete, with 33 participants currently in varying stages of the study.
One of our BOOST participants, Will, attended his final study visit recently and shared his thoughts on why he decided to get involved.
Why did you decide to take part in the trial?
I was considering getting the Men B vaccine privately, so taking part in the study was a great way to get the vaccine and help the community.
Would you take part in future research at The Kids or elsewhere?
Definitely- the communication and information provided to us was very helpful.
What was the highlight of taking part?
Learning more about the study and appreciating what is involved, as well as becoming more aware of vaccination and how the body responds.
What would be your message to anyone considering taking part in clinical research?
Definitely consider a clinical trial/ research program. We felt very comfortable with the information and regular communication/ support.
MenABCWY QUINTET Study
Researchers involved in the QUINTET Study investigated the effectiveness of a potential combination MenABCWY vaccine in people who have not previously received the MenACWY or MenB vaccine.
Our last participant was enrolled in June and in total we had 33 Perth participants aged from 10-25 years. Around the world there was a grand total of 3653 participants! The study results are in the final stages of being disseminated and QUINTET participants will be informed of the vaccination schedule they were given in the near future.