Meningococcal B

Be wise, immunise   

Link to Questions and answers about the Meningococcal B Immunisation Programme 

Many parents are currently thinking about the best way to protect their children against New Zealand’s meningococcal B epidemic. 

The decision to immunise is a personal choice that parents make with their children’s best interests at heart. Parents have the right to make an informed decision based on the best available information. 

It is important information about our children’s health comes from evidence-based sources or people whose medical opinion and expertise we value. 

This is especially important for parents of babies and toddlers because their chance of getting meningococcal disease is so much higher than for older children. 

Based on figures before the immunisation programme began, one in every 66 Pacific children, one in every 117 Mâori children and one in every 438 other children in New Zealand would get meningococcal disease by the time they turn five. 

Good housing, breastfeeding, diet and lifestyle choices help reduce the risk of disease but they are not real alternatives to immunisation or reason to avoid it.  

Being healthy does not give you immunity to meningococcal disease. Healthy children living in ideal conditions remain at risk of death and disability from meningococcal disease.  

The MeNZB vaccine was tested according to international standards. The New Zealand trials found no safety concerns, and there is strong evidence it will protect most people. 

So far, more than 1.5 million doses have been given in the programme and the Independent Safety Monitoring Board has expressed no concerns regarding the vaccine’s safety to date. 

Many children will have a reaction to the vaccine. The most common reactions include sore arms and some redness and swelling around the injection site and skin reactions.  

A smaller number of people have reported reactions such as fevers, headaches, nausea and vomiting, a general feeling of being unwell or muscle and joint pain.  

These are all expected reactions that generally mean the vaccine is working.  These reactions should disappear within a few days. While it is not pleasant to have an irritable child - immunisation is about ensuring children are protected against serious illness. 

It’s your right to be informed. If you have access to the internet, the official website for the programme is www.immunise.moh.govt.nz . This website has links to other credible sites for more information from other sources.  

Parents and caregivers can also call the free information line, staffed by registered nurses,  on 0800 20 30 90. 

Questions and answers about the Meningococcal B Immunisation Programme 

Who qualifies for free vaccination?

Vaccination with MeNZB™ is free for all New Zealanders under the age of 20.  

How can I get a free vaccination?

The MeNZB™ vaccine is available to everyone in New Zealand aged from six weeks to 19 years. To get the vaccine visit your regular doctor, nurse or health service. If you do not have a doctor, the local medical centre will help you.  Otherwise, phone for free on 0800 20 30 90 for more information.  

How many vaccinations are required for protection?

Immunity builds up after three injections, which you need about six weeks apart. You need all three.  

How safe is the vaccine?

MeNZB™ vaccine is manufactured to international standards. There are no live bacteria in the vaccine, so it cannot cause meningococcal disease and it cannot lower your immunity to other infections.  

Millions of doses of vaccine similar to MeNZB™ have been used around the world for more than 20 years. The New Zealand trials found no safety concerns with the vaccine.  

An Independent Safety Monitoring Board which is the public watchdog on the vaccine has had no concerns after monitoring the first 1.2 million doses given in New Zealand. 

Do people experience any side effects?

Most children and young people will react to the vaccine. The most common reactions are sore arms, temporary redness or swelling where the injection was given and skin reactions. A smaller number of people experience headache, nausea, feeling unwell, muscle and joint pain; and a slight fever. 

These reactions mean the vaccine is working, and disappear within a few days. Serious reactions are very rare and usually occur in the first 20 minutes after vaccination. That is why everyone remains for 20 minutes after vaccination.  

How well does the MeNZB™ vaccine work?

The MeNZB™ vaccine is the best protection available against the epidemic strain of meningococcal disease in New Zealand. Most people will be protected against the epidemic strain of meningococcal B for some years after immunisation. 

 It is important though to remain watchful for signs of meningococcal disease, as no vaccine is 100 percent effective and the vaccine won’t protect against other less common strains of meningococcal disease.  

How can I find out more?

Contact your doctor or nurse today about the Meningococcal B Immunisation Programme. For further information freephone 0800 20 30 90 or visit www.immunise.moh.govt.nz .  

Do you have more questions?   If you haven’t already read about Andrew’s and James’ fight against this disease and  we have a detailed article about Meningitis from our March 2005 issue which is full of information about the symptoms of the disease.

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