Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about BEXSERO vaccine

The following are questions that are often asked about BEXSERO and meningitis B*.

* Meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.

  • Who should get vaccinated with BEXSERO?

    BEXSERO can be given to individuals from 2 months through 25 years of age to help protect against meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains (meningitis B).

    BEXSERO is not expected to protect against all circulating meningococcal B strains and does not offer protection against strains A, C, Y, and W-135. As with any vaccine, BEXSERO may not fully protect all of those who are vaccinated.

  • When should BEXSERO not be used?

    BEXSERO should not be used if your child is allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances or any of the other ingredients of BEXSERO.

    Medicinal ingredients in BEXSERO

    The active substances are:

    50 μg of recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B NHBA fusion protein

    50 μg of recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B NadA protein

    50 μg of recombinant Neisseria meningitidis group B fHbp fusion protein

    25 μg of Outer Membrane Vesicles Neisseria meningitidis group B strain NZ98/254

    Antigens are adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide (0.5 mg aluminum).

    Non-medicinal ingredients in BEXSERO

    The important non-medicinal ingredients are:

    Aluminium hydroxide, histidine, sodium chloride, sucrose, water for injections.

    Residue from the manufacturing process: kanamycin.

    Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for additional information.

  • How is BEXSERO administered and how often?

    The doctor, pharmacist or nurse will inject BEXSERO into your child’s arm or leg muscle depending on age.

    To see the recommended vaccination schedule for BEXSERO, click on the button below.

    Dosing schedule

    What if a dose is missed?If you forget to go back to the doctor/pharmacist/nurse at the scheduled time, ask the doctor/pharmacist/nurse for advice.

    Don’t forget to sign up for the BEXSERO dose reminder.

    Where is BEXSERO administered?BEXSERO will be injected into your child’s arm or leg muscle depending on age.Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for further information. Make sure that your child gets all of the required doses. This allows your child to get the full benefits of BEXSERO.

  • Can BEXSERO be given with other vaccines?

    BEXSERO can be given at the same time as any of the following vaccine antigens, either as single or as combination vaccines:

    • Diphtheria
    • Tetanus
    • Acellular pertussis (whooping cough)
    • Haemophilus influenzae type b
    • Inactivated polio
    • Hepatitis B
    • Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate
    • Measles
    • Mumps
    • Rubella
    • Chickenpox
    • Meningococcal groups A, C, W, Y conjugate

    When BEXSERO is given at the same time as any of the vaccines listed above, the vaccines must be given at separate sites.

    Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for further information.

  • Is the cost of BEXSERO covered?

    The cost of BEXSERO may be covered by your private insurance.

    Contact your insurance provider and give the DIN (drug identification number) below to find out:BEXSERO DIN: 02417030

  • What is meningococcal disease and what causes it?

    Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by different strains of Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis B is meningococcal disease caused by strain B bacteria.

    Five strains of bacteria are responsible for most cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Canada. These include strains A, B, C, W-135, and Y.*

    Meningitis B was the leading cause of meningococcal disease in Canada since the early 2000s.

    IMD causes meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or sepsis (blood poisoning).† 

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    Up to 1 in 10 patients who get IMD die (typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms)

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    Of those who recover,  up to 1 in 3 patients experience serious complications, including hearing loss, neurologic disabilities and amputations

    * BEXSERO is not expected to provide protection against all circulating meningococcal serogroup B strains and does not offer protection against strains A, C, Y, and W-135.

    † BEXSERO does not treat or reduce the consequences of meningococcal meningitis disease, including meningitis, sepsis, and death.

  • Who is at risk?

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    In Canada, from 2012 to 2019, the highest rate of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) occurred in infants under 1 and children under 4, followed by adolescents and young adults 15-24.

    * BEXSERO is indicated for individuals 2 months through 25 years of age.

  • How does meningococcal disease spread?

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    The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease (including meningitis and sepsis) may spread through close contact with other people.

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    The germs that cause meningococcal disease may be carried and spread by people who are not showing any symptoms.

    • An individual infected with meningococcal bacteria can spread the disease for up to 7 days before showing symptoms of meningococcal disease.
    • Up to 1 in 10 healthy people are carriers of the infection and may remain a carrier for up to 6 months without any symptoms.

    Like the common cold, meningococcal bacteria may be transmitted by respiratory droplets.

    Everyday and sociable activities may spread meningococcal bacteria from person to person and may include:

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    Coughing and sneezing

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    Kissing

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    Sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses

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    Close physical contact

    Because preventing the spread of germs—especially among children and adolescents—is nearly impossible, vaccination becomes an important consideration.

  • What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?

    Symptoms begin mildly like a cold or flu (e.g., fever, headache, aches and pains in joints and muscles)

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    Up to 1 in 10 patients die (typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms)*

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    Of those who recover,  up to 1 in 3 patients experience serious complications, including hearing loss, neurologic disabilities and amputations*

    * BEXSERO does not treat or reduce the consequences of meningococcal disease, including meningitis, sepsis, and death.

  • How can I protect my child against meningitis B?

    Prevention is the best strategy for combating any infectious disease…including meningococcal disease.

    Vaccination with BEXSERO can help protect individuals 2 months through 25 years against meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains (meningitis B).

  • Why hasn’t my child been vaccinated against meningitis B*?

    Vaccination against MenB* is not part of your child’s routine vaccination schedule.