Meningococcal B Vaccine: Protection, Schedule & Side Effects
The meningococcal B vaccine protects against infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, helping to prevent life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia.
Things worth knowing about "Meningococcal B Vaccine"
The meningococcal B vaccine protects against infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, helping to prevent life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia.
What is the Meningococcal B Vaccine?
The meningococcal B vaccine is a protective immunization against bacteria of serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can cause severe illnesses, including bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning). Both conditions can progress extremely rapidly and become life-threatening within hours. In many countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom, serogroup B is one of the most common causes of invasive meningococcal disease.
Mechanism of Action
The main vaccine approved in Europe against meningococcal B is Bexsero (4CMenB). It contains four key components derived from the surface of the bacterium. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies without causing actual infection. Another approved vaccine is Trumenba, which is based on factor H-binding protein (fHbp). Both vaccines are recombinant protein vaccines and do not contain live bacteria.
Who is the Vaccine Recommended For?
Recommendations vary by country. In Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) currently recommends the meningococcal B vaccine as an individually indicated vaccination, particularly for:
- People with certain immune deficiencies (e.g., complement deficiency, asplenia)
- Laboratory staff who handle the pathogen professionally
- Individuals in outbreak situations or high-risk areas
Many parents choose to have their infants and young children vaccinated on the advice of their paediatrician, as this age group is at particularly high risk. In the United Kingdom, the vaccine has been part of the national immunisation programme since 2015.
Vaccination Schedule and Dosage
The recommended vaccination schedule depends on the age at which immunisation begins:
- Infants from 2 months (Bexsero): 3 doses given at least 2 months apart, plus a booster in the second year of life (3+1 schedule). A 2+1 schedule may be used in certain circumstances when vaccination starts from 3 months.
- Children from age 2, adolescents, and adults (Bexsero): 2 doses at least 1 month apart.
- Trumenba (from age 10): 2 or 3 doses depending on the indication.
The vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection, usually into the thigh in infants or the upper arm in older individuals.
Side Effects
The meningococcal B vaccine is generally well tolerated, but like all vaccines it may cause reactions. Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Elevated body temperature or fever (especially in infants)
- Irritability, crying, and sleep disturbances in young children
- General feeling of being unwell and fatigue
In infants, prophylactic administration of paracetamol is often recommended to reduce fever, particularly when Bexsero is given at the same time as other vaccines (e.g., the hexavalent vaccine). Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are very rare but possible.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies show that Bexsero produces a strong immune response in infants and young children. In the United Kingdom, where the vaccine has been part of the national programme since 2015, a significant decline in meningococcal B disease in vaccinated age groups has been observed. Real-world vaccine effectiveness is estimated at approximately 70-80%.
Cost and Coverage
Coverage of vaccination costs varies depending on the country and health insurance provider. In Germany, since the meningococcal B vaccine is not currently a universal standard vaccination recommended by STIKO for all children, costs are not automatically covered by all statutory health insurers. However, many health insurance funds voluntarily reimburse the vaccine, especially for infants and young children. It is advisable to check with your health insurer before vaccination.
References
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI) - STIKO Recommendations on Meningococcal B Vaccination, current Epidemiological Bulletin. Available at: www.rki.de
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Bexsero Assessment Report. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
- Snape MD, et al. - Immunogenicity of Two Schedules of Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (4CMenB) in Infants. Vaccine. 2010;28(43):6923-6929.
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