What is meningococcal B?
The meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) protects against a fifth type of meningococcal bacterium (called type B). It is fairly new and not yet recommended as a routine vaccination for healthy people. But some kids and teens who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease should get it starting from age 10.
How do people get meningococcal B?
People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria.
Who is the meningococcal B vaccine recommended for?
Meningococcal B vaccines are recommended for people 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including: People at risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including people with sickle cell disease.
Is meningococcal B vaccine necessary?
Some other people are at increased risk of meningococcal B disease and are strongly recommended meningococcal B vaccination but this is not free, such as infants, children aged under two years, adolescents, young adults and people with specified medical risk conditions.
How common is meningococcal B?
During 2015–2018, an estimated 360 cases of meningococcal disease occurred annually in the United States, representing an average annual incidence of 0.11 cases per 100,000 population. Of those with known serogroup in 2018 (N=302), 39% were serogroup B and 51% were serogroups C, Y, or W- 135.
What are the side effects of the meningococcal B vaccine?
MenB vaccines are safe. However, as with any vaccine, side effects can occur.
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Headache.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea or diarrhea.
How long does the meningococcal B vaccine last?
The patient should receive regular booster doses of MenACWY and MenB as long as he remains at risk: a booster dose of MenACWY every 5 years and a booster dose of MenB one year after completion of the primary series, followed by a booster dose of MenB every 2–3 years thereafter.
How much does the meningococcal B vaccine cost?
The vaccine costs approximately between $500- $250 for a child aged between 6 weeks of age to 11 years and up ask your GP about its availability. The side effects are usually mild to high fevers after taking this injection but is dependent on the individual’s reaction.
Can you survive meningococcal?
Meningococcal meningitis can be fatal or cause great harm without prompt treatment; as many as one out of five people who contract the infection have serious complications.
