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Meningococcal B (Bexsero) Vaccine
About the disease
Meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis), sometimes referred to as the "violent bacterium," can cause meningitis, a contagious and potentially fatal disease, as well as bloodstream infections and other infections. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and sometimes a rash. The bacterium is transmitted through respiratory secretions from a person who is ill or is a carrier of the bacterium. In some people who become infected, the bacterium is present in the nose and throat but does not cause invasive disease. If the bacterium enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness that may become life-threatening within a few hours.
With appropriate treatment, the mortality rate is 5%–10%. Without appropriate treatment, the mortality rate can reach 50%. Even after recovery, neurological complications may occur, including developmental delays, paralysis, hearing loss, and more.
There are several strains of this bacterium; the most common in Israel is strain B. The other strains – A, C, Y, and W135 – are rare in Israel.
The Vaccine
The meningococcal B vaccine is called Bexsero, and it is safe, effective, and recommended for infants and toddlers from 2 months of age. The vaccine is not included in the routine immunization schedule for infants and children, and it is not given at Family Care Centers. It can be received at an HMO, with a referral from an HMO doctor. It is worth checking whether the vaccine can be obtained at a subsidized price through supplemental health insurance or reimbursement from the HMO.
Vaccination schedule: The number of doses and the timing of vaccination depend on the age of the child receiving the vaccine.
The vaccine can be given from 2 months of age. Infants who received the first dose of the vaccine at 2 months of age will receive another dose at 4 months and a booster dose at 1 year of age.
Up to 1 year of age, it is recommended to wait at least 3 days between receiving routine vaccinations (at a Family Care Center) and receiving the meningococcal B vaccine (at an HMO), due to the higher incidence of high fever when they are given at the same time.
If the vaccines are given on the same day, each vaccine will be injected into a different area of the body.
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Recombinant vaccine: composed only of the minimal components of the bacterium needed to stimulate the immune system to act against the disease-causing pathogen | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3 and older, by injection into the arm |
Duration of Protection
The protection provided by the vaccine lasts for several years. In some cases, people in at-risk groups may need an additional dose (booster dose), based on medical advice.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
Common side effects:
Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint pain: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Important to know: After vaccination, it is customary to give preventive treatment with fever-reducing medication, according to the medical team's instructions.
Rare side effect:
Seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but if they occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint pain: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Important to know: After vaccination, it is customary to give preventive treatment with fever-reducing medication, according to the medical team's instructions.
Seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but if they occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
Common side effects:
Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint pain: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Important to know: After vaccination, it is customary to give preventive treatment with fever-reducing medication, according to the instructions of the medical staff.
Rare side effect:
Seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but if they occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
Common side effects
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or joint pain: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Important to know: After vaccination, it is customary to give preventive treatment with fever-reducing medication, according to the instructions of the medical staff.
Rare side effect
Seizures: They are usually associated with fever, but if they occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Center After Vaccination
- If your child seems apathetic.
- If a fever does not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite or eating patterns do not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur, they are usually related to a rise in body temperature, but it is important to seek medical attention.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.