Bexsero: Group B meningococcal vaccine
Bexsero vaccine is a Group B meningococcal vaccine by GSK Vaccines. Bexsero is a single dose Killed cell component purified vaccine. It contains antigen from group B meningococcus. It protects from meningitis caused by group B meningococcus.
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How is Bexsero vaccine available?
Bexsero vaccine is available as ready to inject liquid form. It is available as 0.5 ml pre-filled syringe. The vaccine looks hazy and becomes homogenous when shaken. It is also available in 0.5 ml vial made up of glass with aluminium sealed rubber stopper.
How is Bexsero vaccine stored?
Bexsero vaccine is stored at 2-8 degree Celsius. The temperature range is maintained as per standard cold chain. The temperature range is maintained at all stages of transport and storage. The vaccine if accidentally frozen should be discarded.
To whom Bexsero vaccine is indicated?
Bexsero vaccine has been approved for adolescents and young adults of age group above 10 years. It can be given till age 25 years.
How is Bexsero vaccine given?
Bexsero vaccine is given 0.5 ml in deltoid muscle region on shoulder. All the necessary safety injection precautions should be taken and the disposables are disposed as per biological waste management protocol. The expired vaccine should be discarded as per BMW protocols. The vaccine should be given intramuscular it should not be given intravenous.
How does Bexsero vaccine works?
Bexsero vaccine works as active immunization. The person to whom the vaccine is given gets antigen of group B meningococcus. These are these are components of cell surface of group B meningococcus. The immune system of the person recognizes these antigens and develops the immune mechanism to fight against it. When the real infection occur the immune system rapidly ramps the immune response and the disease is prevented. In the process the memory immunity is produced which lasts longer. Yet the need of boosters is undetermined it is unknown how many years this immunity lasts.
What are side effects of Bexsero vaccine?
The side effects of Bexsero vaccine are usually mild as compared to disease. They can be easily managed at home.
· Fever may occur after vaccination and can last for 1-3 days. It can be moderate grade fever. It can be easily managed by paracetamol and sponging at home.
· Local pain and swelling can occur after the vaccination. This can last for 3 days and can be reduced by paracetamol and local cold compression.
· Decreased appetite, somnolence and rashmay occur after the vaccination in few children. It usually subsides by its own and is generally mild form.
· Joint pain and muscular painmay occur in few patients usually subsides by its own.
· Hypersensitivity reaction may occur after this vaccination like any other injection. The facility where vaccination is done should be equipped with necessary drugs and personnel with skill to manage the anaphylaxisreaction.
To whom Bexsero vaccine should not be given?
Bexsero vaccine should not be given to person who is allergic to any of its components. Bexsero should not be given to those who had got hypersensitivity reaction and anaphylaxis at first dose.
There are very few contraindications to this vaccine.
• Infants younger than 2 months should not be administered Bexsero.
• People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the Bexsero or any ingredient in the vaccine
• Have serious allergies of any kind
• If the subject is are pregnant as yet safety data about use of this vaccine in pregnancy has not been established.
Those who are breast feeding mothers as yet safety data in this group is not available.
In pediatric population as safety data in this age group has not been established.
Warnings and precautions
Allergic reaction: Like all other vaccines there is extremely small but real risk of anaphylaxis as allergic reaction. The vaccine should be given at facility where there is availability of medicines and skill to manage the anaphylactic reaction.
Syncope: Even sight of injection and fear may cause syncope in some people and they may faint. The vaccination should be done in a place where there is no risk of injury if patient experiences syncope.
Latex: The tip caps of pre filled syringes contain natural rubber latex to which some people may be allergic. This may induce sever anaphylactic reaction in such patients.
Limitation of vaccine: This vaccine does not protect against all strains of meningococcus meningitis.
Immuno-suppressed state: The patients suffering from immune-suppression may not show adequate level of response to this vaccine.