meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant, protein-based, non-live bacterial vaccine
Licensed age range
People aged 10 years and older
Administration
Intramuscular injection, preferably into the upper arm
Protection
Targets invasive disease caused by meningococcal group B bacteria; protection is not complete
What is meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) used for?
Its UK-licensed use is:
Active immunisation of people aged 10 years and older to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B.
How does meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) work?
It contains recombinant forms of factor H binding protein from both major antigen subfamilies. It stimulates antibodies that recognise this protein on meningococci and work with complement to kill susceptible bacteria.
How to take meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed)
A trained healthcare professional gives it into a muscle, preferably in the upper arm. If other vaccines are given at the same visit, separate injection sites and syringes must be used.
Tell the vaccinator about allergies, previous vaccine reactions, bleeding disorders, immunosuppressive treatment and current illness.
Sit or lie safely if you have previously fainted with injections.
Food does not affect administration.
meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue or chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Vomiting or fever
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives or collapse
meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) in pregnancy
Direct information about Trumenba use during pregnancy is limited. Vaccination should not be withheld where there is a clear exposure risk; discuss the benefits and uncertainties with the prescriber or vaccination team.
meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether Trumenba components pass into human milk. Product information recommends use when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk.
meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed) interactions
Relevant treatment and vaccine considerations include:
Immunosuppressive treatment
The immune response may be reduced, although vaccination may still be appropriate after clinical assessment.
Terminal complement inhibitors, such as eculizumab
People remain at increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease even if antibodies develop after vaccination.
Tdap, Tdap-IPV, quadrivalent HPV and MenACWY vaccines
These may be given at the same visit where appropriate, using separate injection sites and without mixing in the same syringe.
Common questions about meningococcal group B vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What does it protect against?
It helps prevent invasive disease caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, including meningitis and bloodstream infection.
Can it cause meningococcal disease?
No. It is a non-live protein vaccine and does not contain bacteria capable of causing meningococcal disease.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.