Meningococcus B vaccine

The meningococcus B vaccine provides protection against serious infections caused by group B meningococcus bacteria, such as meningitis and blood poisoning.

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To whom is the meningococcus B vaccine administered? 

As of 1 August 2020, meningococcus B vaccines are being given free of charge within the national vaccination programme to persons with an increased risk of serious meningococcal infection due to their illness or medication. The risk groups defined by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare include those who have

  • a complement deficiency (C3, C5-C9, properdin, factor D, factor H)
  • ekulizumab (Soliris) or ravulizumab (Ultomiris) medication to prevent complement activation.
  • spleen deficiency
  • spleen failure, including patients with sickle-cell anaemia and patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease following stem cell transplantation.

The risks of infection associated with the use of ekulizumab and ravulizumab are described in more detail in the product summaries.

Which vaccine is used and what does it contain? 

The vaccination programme uses a Bexsero vaccine to protect against group B meningococcal disease.

  • it does not contain live pathogens
  • the active substance is the surface proteins of meningococcus B
  • the adjuvant is an aluminium compound
  • the excipients are sugar, salts, amino acids, and purified water. 

Dosage and schedule

The volume of the vaccine dose is 0.5 ml.

The vaccine can be given from the age of 2 months. No information is available on the efficacy of the vaccine for those aged over 50.

The dosage, the need for a booster dose and the schedule for the vaccine depend on the age of the person being vaccinated. The vaccine is administered to infants under 6 months of age as a basic series of two or three doses. The basic series for those aged over six months includes only two doses.

Bexsero vaccine dose schedule
Age when receiving first vaccine dose Basic vaccination series  Interval for basic vaccination series  Booster dose included in the vaccination series
2–5 months 3 doses ≥ 1 month 1  dose aged 12–15 months, at least 6 months after the last vaccination of the basic series
3–5 months 2 doses ≥ 2 month 1  dose aged 12–15 months, at least 6 months after the last vaccination of the basic series
6–11 months 2 doses ≥ 2 month  1 dose during their second year, at least 2 months after the last vaccination of the basic series
12–23 months 2 doses ≥ 2 month 1 dose 12–23 months after the last vaccination of the basic series
 ≥ 2 v 2 doses  ≥ 1 month The need for and timing of booster doses  has not yet been determined

Please note that

Meningococcal vaccinations related to the spleen removal and the initiation of ekulizumab or ravulizumab treatment should be administered in good time, preferably at least two weeks before the procedure or the start of medication.

The meningococcus B vaccination series is initiated at the earliest 6 months after stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic reverse rejection.

Booster doses

The meningococcus B vaccine Trumenba is also available from pharmacies in Finland. Bexsero and Trumenba vaccines are not interchangeable. The basic vaccination series and the booster doses must all be administered using the same vaccine product.

The need for and timing of booster doses for the Bexsero vaccine has not yet been determined. The vaccination recommendations will be updated as more research data is collected. 

What are the contraindications and precautions associated with the vaccine?

The vaccine may not be administered to a person who has had a confirmed serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) following a previous dose of a Bexsero vaccine or a vaccine containing similar components. 

The Bexsero vaccine manufacturer also notes that the cap for the syringe tip may contain natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction for those sensitive to latex. Also, the Bexsero vaccine may contain small amounts of cannamycin, which is used in the early stages of the manufacturing process.

Children aged under two may experience a slight temperature after receiving the Bexsero vaccination. Administering an antipyretic (paracetamol) during or shortly after vaccination may reduce the incidence and intensity of such slight temperatures. The effect of antipyretics other than paracetamol on Bexsero vaccine response has not been studied.

The vaccination should be postponed if the recipient has a fever or febrile infection.

What are the benefits of the meningococcus B vaccine?

The Bexsero vaccine provides protection against serious infections caused by group B meningococci. Vaccination can be used to protect persons belonging to medical risk groups and to prevent the spread of the disease in an epidemic situation. Preventing the disease also prevents the serious consequences that result from it.

Based on the research data, the composition of the Bexsero vaccine is fairly similar to the bacterial strains circulating among the population. However, since the structure of surface proteins varies, the vaccines are not expected to provide protection against all group B meningococcus.

Like other vaccines, the Bexsero vaccine does not necessarily lead to all vaccinated persons developing protective immunity. Vaccine response may be poor for people with a disease or medication that impairs the immune system.

What are the potential adverse effects of the meningococcus B vaccine?

Transient local reactions at the injection site, such as pain, heat, swelling, redness and/or rash, are fairly common. In addition, transient general symptoms such as irritation, drowsiness, headache and fever may occur.

Local and generalised symptoms are not a contraindication for further vaccinations. Fever and pain medications may be used to treat the symptoms.

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