The MenB vaccine helps protect your child against infections caused by meningococcal group B bacteria (MenB).
MenB can cause serious illnesses, including:
- meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- septicaemia (blood poisoning)
The MenB vaccine provides 88% protection against MenB bacteria types.
The MenB vaccine does not protect against other causes of meningitis. It is still important to know the symptoms, even if your child is vaccinated.
Who should have the MenB vaccine
Children under 12 months are most at risk of getting MenB infections.
Getting MenB vaccines on time protects your child when they are most at risk.
Your child is offered 3 doses of the MenB vaccine as part of our childhood vaccination programme. Vaccines used in the programme are provided free of charge.
Your child is offered the vaccine at:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 12 months
They get the MenB vaccines at the same time as other routine vaccines.
If your child misses any of their MenB vaccines, they can still get them up to age 2.
Other people who may be recommended the MenB vaccine
Your child may get the vaccine after age 2 if they have a health condition that puts them more at risk of getting meningococcal disease. Ask your GP for advice.
A child in an at-risk group gets the vaccine for free. You may have to pay for the appointment.
Your local department of public health will talk to you about the MenB vaccine if you have been in contact with someone with MenB infection.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP, GP practice nurse or local department of public health if:
- you think you were in contact with someone who has a MenB infection
Who should not have the MenB vaccine
Most children can have the MenB vaccine.
Your child should not get the vaccine if they had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
- a previous dose of vaccine
- any of the ingredients of the vaccine
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Ingredients of the MenB vaccine
The MenB vaccine used in the childhood vaccination programme is called Bexsero.
Check the patient information leaflet for more details about the vaccine. These include details on ingredients and side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Getting your child vaccinated
Ask your GP practice or primary health centre about when to book appointments for your child's vaccines.
Some practices and health centres send you reminder letters or texts.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- your child misses a MenB vaccination
- you're not sure if your child had all 3 doses of the MenB vaccine
- your child has a high temperature and is due to get vaccinated
- you need to change a vaccination appointment
Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.
Getting MenB with other vaccines
The MenB vaccine and other vaccines are usually given on the same visit. Children's immune systems can easily cope with more than 1 vaccine at a time.
Vaccines are as safe and as effective when they are given together.
MenB vaccine side effects
Like all medicines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild and get better within 24 to 48 hours.
Common side effects of the MenB vaccine include:
- pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given
- a high temperature
- sleepiness
- irritability
- unusual crying
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- rash
Preventing a high temperature after vaccination
Babies getting MenB vaccinations at 2 and 4 months often develop a high temperature.
Children are less likely to develop a temperature after their MenB vaccination at 12 months.
To help prevent a high temperature, give your baby paracetamol for children.
You need to give 3 doses of paracetamol over the day. The dose depends on your baby's weight.
Give the:
- first dose - as soon as possible after getting the vaccine
- second dose - 4 to 6 hours after the first dose
- third dose - 4 to 6 hours after the second dose
If your child continues to have a high temperature of over 39 degrees Celsius, you can give a fourth dose. Give it 4 to 6 hours after the third dose.
Do not give them more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Your GP or practice nurse will give you a leaflet about this after your child has the vaccine.
Important
Do not give your baby paracetamol before their vaccination. The GP or nurse needs to be able to check that your baby is well enough to get their vaccine.
Do
-
check the dose of paracetamol with your GP or nurse - you usually give 2.5mls, but it can depend on your baby’s weight
-
give your baby liquid paracetamol, rather than suppositories
-
avoid giving your child ibuprofen
Severe side effects
Serious side effects (severe allergy) are very rare. A reaction to the vaccine usually happens very quickly. Vaccinators are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
Urgent advice: If you are worried about your child after vaccination, contact:
How we know the MenB vaccine is safe and efficient
The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record. Many countries give the MenB vaccine as part of childhood vaccinations.
Vaccine safety is monitored in Ireland by the:
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
More information
To find out more about the MenB vaccination or other vaccinations, contact your:
- GP
- public health nurse
- local immunisation officer