Meningococcal (meningitis) B - vaccination
Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious and requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars. It is caused by meningococcal bacteria which are divided into several groups. This vaccine will help to prevent cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by most strains of the meningococcal B bacteria.
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The MenB vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria, including bacterial meningitis and blood poisoning (septicemia).
What It Prevents
Bacterial Meningitis: An infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningococcal Septicemia: A severe blood infection that can cause organ failure and damage.
Additional Protection: Evidence shows it can also offer partial cross-protection against related bacteria like gonorrhea in targeted adult programs.
Meningitis Now
Who Needs It
Babies and Children:
Routinely given in early childhood in some countries (like the UK) to reduce infant risk.
Teens and Young Adults: Recommended or advised for older teens and college students (typically ages 16 through 23) living in close quarters like dormitories.
High-Risk Individuals: Recommended for anyone over a certain age missing a spleen, living with sickle cell disease, or experiencing specific immune disorders or outbreaks.
Bexsero
Bexsero is a vaccine that helps protect against most strains of Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) bacteria, which can cause meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It has been used in the UK routine immunisation programme for babies since 2015 and has led to 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups.
Number of doses of MenB needed
You need 2 doses of the vaccine for protection. The second dose must be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but can be given later, whenever you next attend the clinic. The vaccine is given by injection usually in the upper arm.