A MENINGITIS B VACCINE PROFILE
This meningitis B vaccine protects against Meningococcus B – the strain of bacteria which most commonly causes invasive meningococcal disease, an infection of the spinal cord and/or the lining surrounding the brain. In up to 1 in 10 affected individuals, meningitis B can be fatal. Up to 1 in 3 survivors are affected by long-term consequences including scarring, hearing loss, neurologic difficulties, and limb loss.
This meningitis vaccine is approved in Canada for the vaccination of individuals from age 2 months to 25 years of age.
This meningitis B vaccine has shown effectiveness with a favourable safety profile; the most commonly reported side effects are similar to those of commonly administered vaccines and include fever (most common), pain, swelling and redness at the injection site and irritability. Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolved within a few days after vaccination.
Based on age, the vaccine can be given as a series of 2 doses, 2 months apart, plus a booster after 2-12 months. A booster may be required after 2-12 months.
This meningitis B vaccine is approved for use in Canada, but it is not free as it is not currently included in the routine vaccination schedule in Canada. Most private insurance plans cover all or a portion of the vaccine cost.
As with all other vaccines, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed with this meningitis B vaccine, and adverse reactions may occur.
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