Meningococcal group B vaccine

Generic name: Meningococcal Group B Vaccine
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (fully recombinant; recombinant, OMV, adjuvanted)
Drug class: Bacterial vaccines

Usage of Meningococcal group B vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can infect the spinal cord and brain, causing meningitis that can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria is usually passed through close contact with an infected person, especially through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.

Meningococcal group B vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by serogroup B meningococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains four common strains of group B meningococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Meningococcal group B vaccine is for use in children and young adults who are 10 to 25 years old. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that the best time to get this vaccine is between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.

Like any vaccine, the meningococcal group B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Meningococcal group B vaccine side effects

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

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

You should not receive a booster vaccine 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. Some people have had seizure-like reactions after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.

Common side effects of meningococcal group B vaccine may include:

headache;

feeling tired;

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.

Before taking Meningococcal group B vaccine

You should not receive this vaccine if you've 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:

an allergy to latex rubber;

a severe illness with a fever or any type of infection; or

a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine (this vaccine may not be as effective if you are immunosuppressed).

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold.

Your doctor should determine whether you need this vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Relate drugs

How to use Meningococcal group B vaccine

Usual Adult Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

For use in adults up to 25 years oldBexsero(R):Two doses (0.5 mL each), IM, at least 1 month apartTrumenba(R):Three doses (0.5 mL each), IM, at 0, 2, and 6 monthsComments:-It is not known if the vaccines are interchangeable.Use: To prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningitis -- Meningococcal:

For use in children 10 years and olderBexsero(R):Two doses (0.5 mL each), IM, at least 1 month apartTrumenba(R): Three doses (0.5 mL each), IM, at 0, 2, and 6 monthsComments:-It is not known if the vaccines are interchangeable.Use: To prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Warnings

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

What other drugs will affect Meningococcal group B vaccine

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor about all other vaccines you recently received.

Other drugs may affect meningococcal group B vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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