Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) — On-Demand
Multicomponent Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed)
What this protects against
- Meningitis B: Helps protect against the B-strain of Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- Sepsis: Prevents life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) caused by the same bacteria, which can lead to organ failure or limb loss.
- Severe Complications: Reduces the risk of permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities that can result from a Meningococcal B infection.
Why it’s essential
- Targeted Protection: While the standard "Meningitis" shot given in many routine schedules covers strains A, C, W, and Y, Bexsero is specifically required to protect against the B strain, which is often responsible for outbreaks in students and infants.
- High-Stakes Prevention: Meningococcal disease can progress from "flu-like" symptoms to life-threatening severity in less than 24 hours; vaccination is the most effective defense.
Doses & route
- Intramuscular Injection: Administered in the deltoid (upper arm) for adults or the thigh for infants.
- Schedule: Typically 2 doses for adolescents and adults; the schedule for infants depends on the age at the first dose.
Ideal for: Infants, teenagers heading to university or boarding school, travelers, and individuals with weakened immune systems.