The multicomponent meningococcal, 4CMenB, vaccine, Bexsero®, helps to protect children and young adults from an illness called group B invasive meningococcal disease.
What is invasive meningococcal disease?
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious contagious infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. There are 13 types, but B is the most common IMD group to affect Canadians. It causes 80% of IMD cases under the age of one year.
- It can cause swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, or a serious infection of the blood, known as meningococcal septicemia. It can be fatal.
- Symptoms start suddenly, from 2 to 10 days after exposure. They include fever, aches, joint pain, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and a red pin-point rash, followed by drowsiness, confusion, or agitation.
- It spreads to others through close face-to-face contact with an infected person’s saliva or secretions (fluids) from the nose and throat, e.g. sneezing and coughing, and activities such as kissing and sharing food, drinks, toothbrushes, toys or cigarettes.
- IMD is most common in children under the age of five and adolescents.
- It occurs more often in the winter and spring in Canada (temperate climate) and during the dry season in tropical climates, e.g. December to June in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Early treatment with antibiotics is important.
Who should get the publicly funded (free) Bexsero®?
Publicly funded Bexsero® is available for
- children 2 months to 17 years of age with certain medical conditions
- close contacts of a case of serogroup B IMD or those at risk during an outbreak
- children from 2 months through 17 years of age with the following high risk conditions:
- functional or anatomic asplenia
- complement, properdin, factor D or primary antibody deficiencies
- cochlear implant recipients (pre / post implant)
- individuals with acquired complement deficiencies (e.g., receiving eculizumab)
- individuals with HIV
| Age at first dose | # of doses | Schedule |
| 2 to 5 months | 4 doses + booster | 2 months between doses Booster at least 12 months after 4th dose |
| 6 to 11 months | 3 doses + booster | 2 months between doses Booster at least 12 months after 3rd dose |
| 12 months to 10 years | 2 doses | 2nd dose 2 months after 1st dose |
| 11 to 17 years | 2 doses | 2nd dose 1 month after 1st dose |
Who should not get Bexsero®?
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past, or to any component of the vaccine:
- Bexsero® – N. Meningitidis group B fusion protein, produced in E. coli (then inactivated), aluminum hydroxide, Neissaria heparin binding agent (NHBA), sodium chloride, histidine, sucrose, kanamycin used early on in process and removed – trace level only
May contain latex (cap of syringe)
- Bexsero® – N. Meningitidis group B fusion protein, produced in E. coli (then inactivated), aluminum hydroxide, Neissaria heparin binding agent (NHBA), sodium chloride, histidine, sucrose, kanamycin used early on in process and removed – trace level only
- Anyone with a high fever, moderate to severe illness should wait until they feel well.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only be vaccinated if it is clearly necessary.
What are the common side effects of Bexsero®?
- Some people may feel feverish, sore and swollen for a few days where the needle was given and have general muscle aches, headaches or feel tired for a day or two.
- Tylenol® or ibuprofen may be taken afterwards, as directed, to reduce fever or discomfort.
- Children under 19 years of age must not be given ASA, Aspirin® or salicylates.
What else do I need to know?
- To avoid germs, do not share water bottles or other drinks, food or eating utensils.
- Meningitis B symptoms occur rapidly and are often misdiagnosed as the flu.
- 10% of those infected with Men B can die within 24-48 hours.
- One in five can suffer long-term disability, such as hearing loss or neurological disorders.
- Post-secondary students are 5 times more likely to contract Men B, with the highest number of cases in Eastern Canada.
- Individuals 18 through 23 years of age entering post-secondary studies who are living in a setting such as a dormitory for the first time may receive two doses of Bexsero, at least one month apart.
When should I seek medical attention after immunization?
- If your child experiences any unusual side effects, seek medical attention and notify us.
- Go to Emergency at a hospital right away or call 911 if your child has any of the following after immunization:
- swelling of the face and neck
- problems breathing
- hives and itchy, reddened skin
Your Record of Protection
After you receive any immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record. Keep it in a safe place. Please inform us of any immunizations not received here.
