YOU CAN NOW VACCINATE AGAINST
MENINGOCOCCAL B DISEASE12(commonly referred to as meningitis)
WHAT IS MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE?
Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. A person with meningococcal disease can develop meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain), septicaemia (blood infection) or pneumonia. It strikes and progresses quickly - usually without warning.1,2
ABOUT 1 IN 10 INFECTED WITH MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE CAN DIE, SOMETIMES WITHIN 24 HOURS1-3
And up to 1 in 5 can suffer
from serious long-term
disabilities, including brain
damage, deafness, and
limb loss.1,3
70% OF MENINGOCOCCAL CASES IN NEW ZEALAND
ARE CAUSED BY GROUP B*4
There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria,
of which there are five groups that most commonly cause disease
(A, B, C, W and Y).7 In 2016, reported cases of meningococcal
disease in New Zealand were caused by:4*
*of those cases that could be typed, 2016 ESR data
IS YOUR CHILD OR TEEN PROTECTED AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL B?
Probably not. The New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule does not currently include a vaccine to protect against meningococcal B.6
SOME PARENTS MAY HAVE CHOSEN TO
PAY FOR MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINATION,
HOWEVER THIS WOULD NOT HAVE
INCLUDED MENINGOCOCCAL B.
That’s because Bexsero has only
been available in New Zealand
since October 2018.12
SOME PEOPLE WOULD HAVE
RECEIVED THE MeNZB™ VACCINE
BETWEEN 2004 AND 2008.5
MeNZB was temporarily introduced in
New Zealand to control an epidemic of
meningococcal B. The protection from
this vaccine was not long-lasting, so
even if your child received the MeNZB
vaccine they are unlikely to still be
protected against meningococcal B.5
MOST NEW ZEALANDERS ARE NOT CURRENTLY PROTECTED AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL B
Please speak to your healthcare professional for more information
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VACCINATION WITH BEXSERO TO HELP PROTECT AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL B12
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease live within the nose and throat. They can be spread through everyday behaviours, including:7
Coughing & sneezing
Sharing drinks
& eating utensils
Kissing
Living in close quarters
WHO’S AT RISK?
Anyone can get meningococcal B – however...
BABIES AND CHILDREN UNDER 5
ARE AT MOST RISK, FOLLOWED BY TEENS8,9
Babies
Under 5s
Teens
In New Zealand, over half of meningococcal B cases occur in children under 5 years of age.10
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Early symptoms of meningococcal disease may appear mild – similar to those of a cold or the flu. However, symptoms can progress quickly and may include:11
High Fever
Sniff Neck
Dislike Bright Lights
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Sometimes, red or purple
spots or bruises on the skin
Additional symptoms in babies may include:
Cold hands and feet or shivering, being floppy or harder to wake, unusual crying, refusal to eat
Additional symptoms in older children and adults may include:
Headache, confusion, joint pain and aching muscles
Don't wait for spots to appear before getting medical help. Seek medical attention immediately if you see one or more of the symptoms above.11
HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD OR TEEN
AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL B WITH Bexsero12
Vaccination is the most effective way to help prevent meningococcal B13 Bexsero is a vaccine to help protect against meningococcal B. It is given by injection
and the number of doses needed depends on the age of the person being vaccinated.12
Bexsero is not currently included on the New Zealand National
Immunisation Schedule so you will need to pay for Bexsero.6
As with other vaccines, Bexsero has benefits and risks.12
Ask your healthcare professional about vaccination with
Bexsero to help protect against meningococcal B.12
TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
GET VACCINATED
USEFUL LINKS
