Meningococcal group B vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect the spinal cord and brain, leading to meningitis, which can be deadly or cause long-lasting and serious medical issues.

Meningococcal disease can be passed from one person to another through tiny droplets of saliva released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria are typically spread through close contact with an infected person, especially by kissing or sharing drinks or utensils.

Meningococcal group B vaccine is used to prevent infections caused by serogroup B meningococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body build immunity to meningitis but will not treat an existing infection you may have.

Meningococcal group B vaccine is intended for children and young adults aged 10 to 25 years.

Like any vaccine, the meningococcal group B vaccine may not protect every person from the disease.

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or medical setting.

There are two meningococcal B vaccines available, and the same vaccine must be used for all doses.

Meningococcal group B vaccine is usually given in a series of 2 or 3 shots. Booster shots are given 1, 2, or 6 months after the first shot.

Your booster schedule may be different. Follow the guidelines provided by your doctor or local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

There are other types of meningococcal vaccines available. When you receive a booster dose, make sure you are receiving a vaccine for meningococcal serogroup B and not for serogroups A, C, W, or Y, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or vaccination provider.

You should not receive the vaccine a second time if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to meningococcal group B vaccine.

This vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• a severe illness with a fever or any type of infection; or
• a weak immune system due to disease or certain medicines (this vaccine may not work as well if you are immunosuppressed).

You may still receive the vaccine if you have a minor cold.

Your doctor should decide if you need this vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you experience. If you need a booster dose, you must inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

You should not receive a second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Becoming infected with meningococcal disease and developing meningitis is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Any vaccine may cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is low.

You may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to stay under observation for the first 15 minutes after the injection.

Common side effects of meningococcal group B vaccine may include:

• headache;
• feeling tired, chills;
• muscle or joint pain;
• nausea, diarrhea; or
• pain, redness, swelling, or a hard lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

PATIENTS UP TO 25 YEARS OLD:Two-dose schedule: 0.5 mL IM once, administered at 0 and 6 months-If the second dose is given less than 6 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second doseThree-dose schedule: 0.5 mL IM once, administered at 0, 1 to 2, and 6 monthsComments:-The dosing schedule should be determined by the patient's risk of exposure and the susceptibility to the disease.-The dosage schedules for Bexsero and Trumenba are the same; however, it is not known if the vaccines are interchangeable.Use: Active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

PATIENTS 10 YEARS AND OLDER:Two-dose schedule: 0.5 mL IM once, administered at 0 and 6 months-If the second dose is given less than 6 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second doseThree-dose schedule: 0.5 mL IM once, administered at 0, 1 to 2, and 6 monthsComments:-The dosing schedule should be determined by the patient's risk of exposure and the susceptibility to the disease.-The dosage schedules for Bexsero and Trumenba are the same; however, it is not known if the vaccines are interchangeable.Use: Active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by N meningitidis serogroup B

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind on your vaccination schedule.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions regarding any limitations on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your doctor about any other vaccines you have received recently.

Other medications may impact the meningococcal group B vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure to tell your doctor about all other medicines you are currently using.