Meningitis B Vaccine

Following a manufacturing shortage, Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) is now available at Sloane Medical Practice.  Meningitis B is the leading infections disease killer of young children in the UK with around 1,200 cases per year.  The vaccine can be given from the age of 2 months to 18 years old.  It is now available on the NHS from September 2015 but only to babies born after May 2015.

The regime recommended by the NHS suggests 2 vaccines plus 1 booster but the manufacturers suggests 3 doses plus 1 booster. The reason for this disparity is that there have been recent trials that have suggested 2 vaccines are enough to convey immunity until the booster dose.  Our practice has been in disucssion with local paediatricians and the outcome is that we will continue to vaccinate children as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure adequate immunity.

 

The cost is £150 per vaccine.  The immunisation is as follows.

2-6 months old:  4 doses in total.  Primary course of 3 doses, with at least 1 month between each dose.  Booster between 1 to 2 years old.

6-12 months old:  3 doses in total.   Primary course of 2 doses, with at least 2 months between each doese.  Booster between 1 to 2 years old (booster at least 2 months after the completion of the primary immunisation).

1-2 years old:  3 doses in total.  Primary course of 2 doses with a least 2 months between each dose.  Booster 1-2 years after the primary course.

2-11 years old:  2 doses in total.  Secon dose given at least 2 months after the first.

11-18 years old:  2 doses in total.  Second dose given at least 1 month after the first.

Please do not hesitate to telephone us on 020 7235 3002 if you would like to ask any further questions.  We recommend vaccinating as soon as possible after 2 months of age.

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