This year, a new vaccine against meningococcus B is available. It is a vaccine we have long awaited, and here is why:
- Meningococcus B is the leading cause of (severe) bacterial meningitis in our area. Overall, however, viruses are the most common cause of meningitis, typically resulting in mild illness.
- Although meningococcal B meningitis is not very common (affecting fewer than one in 100,000 people), it has a high mortality rate: one in ten patients with meningococcemia will die.
- The approved and marketed vaccine is called Bexsero; it is not covered by the public health system.
- The administration schedule varies depending on the child’s age: four doses for infants under six months, three doses for children up to two years old, and two doses for older children.
- It is a very safe vaccine, though it frequently causes mild side effects within 24 hours of administration, such as redness and pain at the injection site and fever. Taking paracetamol as a preventive measure is recommended.
ASK YOUR PEDIATRICIAN FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!