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Meningococcal is a notifiable disease, which most commonly presents as either meningitis or septicaemia, or a combination of both, or conjunctivitis. In the UK, meningococcal infection is most often caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis group B, although other serogroups can also cause disease. The incidence is highest in children under one year, and also ages 16 – 24 years. The organism is spread by respiratory droplets and has an incubation period of two to seven days.
In September 2015 a four component meningococcal B (4CMenB) protein vaccine, Bexsero was introduced for infants at two, four and 12 – 13 months of age as part of the routine childhood programme.
Bexsero is an inactivated injectable vaccine in a pre-filled syringe presentation. Bexsero is an rDNA component adsorbed vaccine.
The MenB vaccine is effective against serious infections caused by meningococcal group B bacteria. The vaccine may also protect against infection by capsular groups other than group B.
Schedule guidance in the Green Book chapter 22 supersedes the SmPC.
The Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.
Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below.
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - GOV.UK (read JCVI publications and statements; search e.g. meningococcal)
Introduction of MenB Immunisation for Infants (July 2015)
Online courses and training materials about a number of vaccines and diseases can be accessed via the E-learning page.
Further immunisation training information and resources are provided on the Training Resources and Events page.
Meningococcal – The Green Book, chapter 22
Meningococcal B: vaccine information for healthcare professionals (UKHSA)
PGD templates for vaccines can be found on the Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols page.
Vaccination surveillance information can be found on the pages below: