Meningitis B

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis B is one of 13 known serotypes of the disease. The invasive form can cause serious disease and is still the commonest cause of meningitis in children, adolescents, and young adults.

There are two vaccines available.

Bexero (Novartis): The primary course consists of 2-4 doses depending on the age. The effectiveness of the first 2 doses given in infants is more than 80%.

Trumenba (Pfizer):  It can be given as a 2 or 3 dose course.

The Meningitis B vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program for a targeted group. See Meningococcal vaccination for people in a special risk group.

The Meningitis B vaccine is also available free to permanent residents of South Australia who have a Medicare card. It is available under the South Australian immunization program and given in the first year of life. It is also given between years 10 and 12 at high school.

An excellent fact sheet (current July 2023) on meningococcal vaccines is available at: National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).