Vaccination "BEXSERO" (GSK, Italy) (meningococcal infection serogroup B)
Bexsero is a vaccine against meningococcal group B disease. The bacterium spreads through airborne droplets and can cause meningitis and sepsis. The illness develops fast, so it is better to get vaccinated in advance. The vaccine is used from 2 months of age. Children, teenagers and adults can receive it. The number of doses and the intervals between them are set by the doctor according to the patient's age.
Who should get vaccinated against meningococcus B and when
Meningococcal group B disease is one of the forms of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. The highest risk is in infants and small children. A second peak falls on teenagers and young adults. The bacterium passes from person to person through airborne droplets. Some people carry it in the nasopharynx without any symptoms.
The onset looks like a cold or flu: fever, headache, lethargy. Then the condition can worsen sharply within hours. A stiff neck, a rash and confusion appear. Even with timely treatment the infection sometimes leaves consequences, including hearing loss and damage to the nervous system.
Bexsero contains protein components of the bacterium. The immune system builds protection against them. The vaccine has no live pathogen, so it cannot cause the disease. It is given as an intramuscular injection: into the thigh for children under 2 years and into the upper arm for older patients.
The schedule depends on age. The younger the child, the more doses are needed. Infants also get a booster in the second year of life. Teenagers from 11 years and adults usually receive two doses at least one month apart.
Bexsero protects only against group B. Other vaccines work against groups A, C, W and Y. The doctor will advise whether to combine them.
Specialists
Zabolotnia Myroslava Mykolaivna
Family doctor
Korshak Oleksandr Serhiiovych
Family doctor
Osnytska Iryna Viktorivna
Family doctor
Hurkina Nataliia Vasylivna
Pediatrician
Siladi Yosyp Yosypovych
Pediatrician
Diakonchuk Yelyzaveta Romanivna
Pediatrician
Shvets Oleksandr Orestovych
Pediatrician
Shvets Olena Henrikhivna
Pediatrician
How vaccination goes and which reactions are possible
Before the vaccination the doctor examines the patient, takes the temperature and checks for contraindications. The vaccination has to be postponed during an acute illness with fever. A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to a component of the vaccine is a reason not to vaccinate.
The most common reactions are pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, malaise and headache. Infants often develop a fever, especially when Bexsero is given together with other routine vaccines. These signs usually pass on their own within a few days. The doctor explains in advance what to do about a child's fever and when to ask for help.
At Doctor Sam Medical Centre the doctor chooses a vaccination schedule by age and fits it to the child's immunization calendar.
FAQ
From what age can Bexsero be given?
Can Bexsero be given together with other vaccines?
