Bexsero

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.

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.

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).

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.