Meningococcal B (MenB)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Meningitis (infection around the brain and spinal cord)

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Adolescents

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    16-18 years

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against life-threatening illnesses from meningococcal disease:
      • Meningitis (infection around the brain)
      • Sepsis (blood poisoning)
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others – especially those living in close spaces like college dorms

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Tiredness
    • Headache
    • Muscle pain

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    Vaccine products (available in the United States)

    • Bexsero (MenB-4C) – 2 or 3 dose series
    • Trumenba (MenB-FHbp) – 2 or 3 dose series

    Combination vaccines

    • Penmenvy (MenACWY-CRM/MenB-4C) – 2 dose series
    • Penbraya (MenACWY-TT/Menb-FHbp) – 2 dose series

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    What is the difference between the MenACWY vaccine and the MenB vaccine?

    The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects against four common groups of Meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y), while the Meningococcal B vaccine protects against a different group called serogroup B.

    The two vaccines target different parts of the same disease, which is why some people—especially teens or those at higher risk—may be recommended to get both.