What is Meningococcal group B vaccine?
The meningococcal infection is caused by bacteria that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis. This can lead to death or permanent medical problems. The disease is spread by small droplets that are released into the air by an infected individual when they cough or sneeze. Bacteria are spread by close contact, such as kissing or sharing a drink glass or eating tool with someone who has the disease. The meningococcal serogroup B vaccine prevents infection by serogroup-B meningococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains four strains of the common group B meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine will help you develop immunity against meningitis, but it won't treat an infection that is already active. Children and young adults aged 10–25 years can receive the meningococcal B vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control suggest that this vaccine should be administered between 16 and 18-year-olds. The meningococcal B group vaccine is not a vaccine that will protect everyone from the disease.
Side effects of Meningococcal group B vaccine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Keep track of any side effects.If you require a booster shot, make sure that any side effects are reported to the vaccine provider. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot. Meningitis and infection with meningococcal bacteria are far more harmful to your health than this vaccine. Although any vaccine can cause side effects, the risks of serious side effects are low. After receiving this vaccination, you may feel faint. Vaccines can cause seizures in some people. As soon as your injection has taken place, it may be necessary for you to remain under observation for up to 15 minutes after.
Side effects of the meningococcal B vaccine include:
- Headache;
- Feeling tired
- Joint or muscle pain
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- On injection sites, there may be pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice about adverse reactions, speak to your doctor. Report side effects from vaccines directly to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone, Ceftriaxone, Decadron, Rocephin, Rifampin, and Minocycline
Warnings
If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot.
Before you take this drug
If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to the meningococcal B group vaccine, then this vaccine is not for you.
If you are:
- Allergy to Latex Rubber
- A severe illness that is accompanied by a temperature or an infection of any kind;
- A weak immune system due to disease or certain medicines (this vaccine might not be as effective for you if you're immunosuppressed)
Even if you are suffering from a minor cold, it is possible to receive a vaccination. You should consult your doctor to determine if you require this vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take Meningococcal group B vaccine?
This vaccine is administered as an injection into a muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.
The Meningococcal Group B vaccine is recommended when:
- You've been exposed to a meningococcal outbreak.
- You work in a lab and are exposed to meningococcal bacteria.
- You have a medical condition that affects your spleen, or it has been removed.
- You use a medicine called eculizumab (Soliris);
- You have a disorder of the immune system called "persistent component deficiency."
Meningococcal Group B vaccines are given in two or three doses. Booster shots can be given 1, 2, or 6 months following the initial shot. You may have a different booster schedule. You can follow the instructions provided by your doctor or local health department. If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised. Other types of meningococcal vaccination are available. You should ensure that the booster dose you receive is for serogroup B of meningococcal bacteria and not serogroups C, W, or Y.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for meningitis—meningococcal:
Use in adults aged up to 25.
Bexsero(R):
Two doses of 0.5 mL IM at least one month apart
Trumenba(R):
Three doses of 0.5 mL each, IM at 0, 2, and 6 months
Comments:
It is unknown if the two vaccines can be interchanged.
Use: To help prevent the invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A.
The Usual Pediatric Dose of Meningitis—Meningococcal
Use in children aged 10 and older
Bexsero(R):
Two doses of 0.5 mL each, IM, at least one month apart
Trumenba(R):
Three doses of 0.5 mL each, IM at 0, 2, and 6 months
Comments:
It is unknown if the two vaccines can be interchanged.
Use: To help prevent the invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss your booster dose or fall behind on its schedule, contact your vaccine provider immediately so they can administer another one as quickly as possible; there's no need to start over from square one.
What happens if I overdose?
It is unlikely that this vaccine will result in any significant overdoses.
What should be avoided?
If your vaccine provider has given you any instructions regarding restrictions in food, beverage, or activity, follow them.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you have recently had any other vaccinations. Meningococcal Group B vaccine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
