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Overview: Meningococcal B vaccine is used to prevent bacterial meningitis and other serious infections caused by serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It works by triggering the body’s immune system to make a type of protein (antibodies) against this type of bacteria. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling near the injection site, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, and headache. Meningococcal B vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is meningococcal B vaccine used for?

Meningococcal B vaccine is also known as the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal B vaccine is commonly used to prevent bacterial meningitis and other serious infections caused by serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis. Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that can lead to brain damage or death if not treated right away.

See also: Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine and Meningococcal ABCWY Vaccine

How does meningococcal B vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

Meningococcal B vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against a certain group of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (serogroup B) that cause meningitis and other serious infections. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store meningococcal B vaccine?

Meningococcal B vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of meningococcal B vaccine?

The most common side effects of meningococcal B vaccine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, redness, or swelling near the injection site
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of meningococcal B vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of meningococcal B vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of meningococcal B vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Meningococcal B vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use meningococcal B vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive meningococcal B vaccine.

  • Bexsero
  • MenB
  • MenB-4C
  • MenB-FHbp
  • Meningococcal B vaccine
  • Meningococcal group B vaccine
  • Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine
  • Trumenba
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific meningococcal B vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about meningococcal B vaccine before using it?

Your health care provider will determine the appropriate schedule for you. It is important to follow this schedule to ensure the vaccination series is complete. 

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving meningococcal B vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

Meningococcal B vaccine may not protect against all serogroup B strains, and not everyone who receives the vaccine will be fully protected.

What should I tell my health care provider before using meningococcal B vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if meningococcal B vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • Any severe allergies
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, such as fainting 
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how meningococcal B vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if meningococcal B vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does meningococcal B vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between meningococcal B vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect meningococcal B vaccine.

Does meningococcal B vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between meningococcal B vaccine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much meningococcal B vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much meningococcal B vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of meningococcal B vaccine?

If you miss an appointment for meningococcal B vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.