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Bexsero

meningococcal b vaccine
Used for Meningitis
Used for Meningitis

The meningococcal B vaccine or the MenB vaccine is used to lower your risk of getting sick from a bacteria called group B Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). It helps prevent meningococcal disease, including meningitis (brain inflammation) and bloodstream infections. This vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider and is a routine vaccine for people 10 years of age or older who are at high risk of infection.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 6, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostPricesMedicare
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What is The MenB vaccine?

What is The MenB vaccine used for?

  • Prevention of group B meningococcal disease

How The MenB vaccine works

The MenB vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from meningococcal disease caused by group B N. meningitidis. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.

Are you looking for information on Menveo, Menactra, or MenQuadfi (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBexsero, Trumenba
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$273.27(save 19.86%)
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$218.99
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What are the side effects of The MenB vaccine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Bexsero
  • Pain at injection site (at least 83%)
  • Muscle pain (at least 48%)
  • Redness at injection site (at least 45%)
  • Fatigue (at least 35%)
  • Headache (at least 33%)
  • Hardening of skin (at least 28%)
  • Nausea (at least 18%)
  • Joint pain (at least 13%)
Trumenba
  • Pain at injection site (at least 85%)
  • Fatigue (at least 60%)
  • Headache (at least 55%)
  • Muscle pain (at least 35%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of The MenB vaccine

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Pros

Readily available and easy to find at pharmacies

Trumenba syringes don't contain latex

Most people only need to complete the series once.

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Cons

Must use the same brand for all doses

Bexsero syringes contain latex

Can only be given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for The MenB vaccine

pharmacist

  • Possible side effects include feeling tired, headache, muscle or joint pain, and swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site. If any of these occur, they usually last up to 3 to 5 days.

    • Mark the dates on your calendar of when you need to go in for all your the MenB vaccine injections. This will help make sure you receive your doses on time and stay fully protected against meningococcal disease.

      • Keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines, including the MenB vaccine, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule. It's important to note which brand of the MenB vaccine you received, because you'll need to stick with same brand for all your doses. If you don't know the brand or it's no longer available, you'll need to restart the series over.

        • Wait until you're healthy to get the MenB vaccine. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, you can still get the MenB vaccine. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about The MenB vaccine

          Who should receive the MenB vaccine?
          The CDC states that children 16 to 18 years old who aren't considered to be at high risk for meningococcal disease can choose to receive the MenB vaccine (2-dose Bexsero or Trumenba series). It's also recommended that people aged 10 years and older who are at high risk (e.g., have certain immune conditions, take Soliris (eculizumab) or Ultomiris (ravulizumab), have a damaged or removed spleen, sickle cell disease, are in an area with a meningococcal disease outbreak) should receive the MenB vaccine. Additionally, adults who work closely with N. meningitidis in a lab should receive the MenB vaccine. Those at high risk for meningococcal disease are recommended to receive either the 2-dose Bexsero series or the 3-dose Trumenba series. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs the MenB vaccine.
          Why is it important to get the MenB vaccine?
          The MenB vaccine lowers your risk for meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis, which is often severe and can be a life-threatening infection. The bacteria is spread through saliva or spit (e.g., coughing, kissing or sharing food with someone who's infected), although it's not as easily spread in the air like the cold or flu. The two most common sites of infection are in the brain or spinal cord (meningitis) and in the bloodstream. Common symptoms of infection include fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, and a stiff neck (for meningitis only). While there are several antibiotics available to treat these infections, there is also a high risk for severe complications, including death, so it's best to receive the MenB vaccine for the most protection against meningococcal disease.
          Where can I go to receive the MenB vaccine?
          The MenB vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. Eligible children can receive the MenB vaccine at any facility that's enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program at no cost. You can also receive the MenB vaccine at your provider's office or your local pharmacy, but it's likely available at certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).
          What are the available vaccines that protect against meningococcal disease, and what are the differences between them?
          The two brands of the MenB vaccine, Bexsero and Trumenba, both help to prevent group B meningococcal disease. Trumenba can be given as a 2- or 3-dose series, whereas Bexsero is only a 2-dose series. Additionally, the prefilled syringes of Trumenba don't contain latex, while those of Bexsero do. While both brands are similar, the same brand must be used for all doses. If the brand of the previous dose isn't available or is unknown, you must restart a complete series with either brand. Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi, are three brands of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine that target different groups of N. meningitidis (A, C, W, and Y) than the MenB vaccine. Typically, the MenB vaccine is given in addition to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine to add more protection against N. meningitidis.
          Can I receive the MenB vaccine if I'm pregnant?
          Pregnant women who have a high risk for meningococcal disease can receive the MenB vaccine. However, the risks and benefits of the vaccine should be discussed with a provider first. This is because there aren't any good studies showing how safe the MenB vaccine is in pregnant women.
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          What are the risks and warnings for The MenB vaccine?

          The MenB vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Severe allergic reactions

          • Risk factors: Latex allergy (for Bexsero only) | Allergic reaction to other vaccines

            As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to the MenB vaccine. Your risk is higher if you're allergic to latex, because the tip caps of the prefilled syringes of Bexsero contain natural rubber latex. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

            risk-warning

            Lower response to the MenB vaccine in people with weakened immune systems

            • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

              The MenB vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put you at higher risk of meningococcal disease, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications), don't receive the MenB vaccine until you've talked with your provider first.

              risk-warning

              Fainting

              • Risk factors: Fainting after vaccines in the past

                Fainting can happen after receiving injectable vaccines, such as the MenB vaccine. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, burning sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after vaccines in the past so they can monitor you.

                dosage

                The MenB vaccine dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of The MenB vaccine is $218.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.86% off the average retail price of $273.27.
                syringe
                Syringe
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                0.5ml1 syringe$218.99$218.99

                Typical dosing for The MenB vaccine

                The MenB vaccine is given as an injection (0.5 mL) into the shoulder muscle by a healthcare provider.

                • Bexsero: The typical dose is 2 injections given at least 1 month apart.

                • Trumenba: The typical dose is 2 injections given at least 6 months apart. If the second dose is given earlier than 6 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second dose. Depending on your risk of exposure and getting meningococcal disease, you may be eligible for a 3-dose series of Trumenba, given as 1 injection at months 0, 1 to 2, and 6.

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                How much does The MenB vaccine cost?

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                Bexsero (brand)
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