Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about BEXSERO vaccine

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

* Invasive 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 invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains (meningitis B).

    BEXSERO is not expected to protect against all circulating meningococcal B serogroups and does not offer protection against serogroups 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 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 invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and what causes it?

    IMD is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by different serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis B is IMD caused by serogroup B bacteria.

    Five serogroups of bacteria are responsible for most cases of IMD in Canada. These include serogroups A, B, C, W-135, and Y.*

    Meningitis B has been the leading cause of IMD 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 experiences serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, 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 of IMD and Meningitis B?*

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    In Canada,  infants and children (≤4 years old) had the highest cases of IMD, followed by teens and young adults (15-24 years old)

    Meningitis B* accounted for ~3/4 of IMD cases in infants and children and 53% of IMD cases in teens and young adults.

    * Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.

  • How does IMD spread?

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    The N. meningitidis bacteria, which cause IMD (including meningitis and sepsis), may spread through close contact with other people. 

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    Carriers are those who carry the bacteria without showing symptoms and can spread the bacteria to others. 

    • Up to 1 in 10 healthy people are carriers of N. meningitidis bacteria
    • They can remain carriers and symptomless for 6 months 
    • Healthy adolescents and young adults are the most common carriers of the bacteria (up to 30% carriage)

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

    Everyday and social activities may spread meningococcal the 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 is nearly impossible, getting vaccinated can help prevent meningitis B.*

    * Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains. 

  • What are the symptoms and the consequences of IMD?

    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 experiences serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, 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 Meningitis B.

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

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

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

    * Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.