Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious bacterial infection that can cause devastating health consequences, including meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain), septicaemia (blood infection) or pneumonia. Symptoms can develop quickly, and the disease can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications within a matter of hours. Vaccination is the most effective way to help protect your child against meningococcal disease.
BEXSERO, a vaccine to help protect against meningococcal group B, is now funded on the National Immunisation Schedule. This means meningococal B vaccination is free for all babies and is included as part of their routine childhood immunisations at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months of age. All children under 5 can also be vaccinated against meningococcal B for free until 31 August 2025.
Adolescents aged 13-25 years of age can receive free meningococcal B vaccination if they are in their first year of living in a boarding school hostel or university hall of residence. People already living in these environments can also be vaccinated for free until 28 February 2024.
If your child is under 5 or living in a boarding school or university hall of residence make sure you call your doctor or nurse to find out more about meningococcal B vaccination today.
There are different groups of meningococcal bacteria and groups A, B, C, W and Y most commonly cause disease. It is important to note that there is no single vaccine that covers all of the different groups. The BEXSERO vaccine helps protect against meningococcal B, which is the most common strain in NZ. Other vaccines are available to help protect your family against groups A, C, W and Y.
It’s natural to have questions and concerns about vaccination, so please talk openly with your doctor or nurse about the benefits and risks of vaccination.
Please note that BEXSERO can only protect from meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B.
BEXSERO (Multicomponent meningococcal group B vaccine) is for immunisation against invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis group B from 2 months of age or per official recommendations. BEXSERO is a prescription medicine and is funded as part of the National Immunisation Schedule. See Pharmaceutical Schedule for full funding criteria. BEXSERO is also available for private purchase – normal doctor’s fees apply. A 0.5 mL dose contains the following antigens: 50 mcg each of NHBA, NadA, fHbp and 25 mcg of PorA. BEXSERO has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if BEXSERO is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you or your child have side effects, see your doctor. For more information, including full product details, see Bexsero Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to GSK. ©2023 GSK or its licensor. GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland.
Date of Approval: 06 2023 Date of Expiry: 06 2025 TAPS NP19393-PM-NZ-BEX-ADVR-230001
