Meningitis B Vaccination
Meningitis B vaccine contains four different components from of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis group B. These bacteria can cause serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infections such as meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood poisoning). The vaccine works by specifically stimulating the body’s natural defense system of the vaccinated person. This results in protection against the disease.
Vaccination content
The four immunogenic components of Meningitis B vaccine are:
- Factor H binding protein (fHbp)
- Neisseria heparin-binding antigen (NHBA)
- Neisserial adhesin A (NadA)
- Porin A (PorA)
Who should be vaccinated?
- Full-Term Infants over 2 months of age and above who want protection against the disease and fulfill the criteria for vaccination
- Children and adults without a spleen, splenic dysfunction or complement blood disorders
· Travel and living in areas of potential high risk – although there are no specific recommendations for travellers as yet
Vaccine dose
- · Full term babies 2 – 5 months=3 doses at 1 month apart, then 1 booster between 12 – 15 months. Total 4 doses
· Unvaccinated infants 6 – 11 months=2 doses at 2 months apart, then booster in 2 year of life. Total 3 doses
· Children 12 – 23 months – 2 doses 2 months apart, then 1-2 years later. Total 3 doses
· Children 2-10 years = 2 doses at 2 months apart. Total 2 doses
· 11 years and adult= 2 doses at 1 month apart. Total 2 doses
When to get vaccinated
Who should not be vaccinated?
There are very few individuals who cannot receive meningococcal vaccines, but it should not be given to those individuals who –
- Have had a confirmed anaphylactic (allergic) reaction to a previous dose
- Hypersensitivity to any of the substances in the vaccine which includes latex allergy
- Allergy to Kanamycin ( a specific antibiotic) as trace levels may be contained within the product
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- phone us for advice
Duration of immunity
Side effects
As with all drugs, vaccines can cause side effects. Vaccine side effects may include soreness/redness/swelling or hardness of skin at the injection site, fever, lack of appetite, muscle aches, irritability, sleepiness and rashes.