MenB (Bexsero) vaccine is to be funded from 1 March 2023. Resources and information are being updated but here are the key facts for you (below) and further detail is available on our fact sheet.

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Training webinar:

IMAC and NIP presented a webinar on the MenB roll out on 22 Feb 2023, click here to view the recording.

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‍Approval for use 

Bexsero is approved for use from eight weeks and over.

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Funded for use

Bexsero is funded for 2 doses and a booster for:

• children up to 12 months of age

• catch up for 13 month to 59 month olds available until 31 August 2025 - including tamariki who were aged under 5 years on 1 March who have since turned 5 years old.

Bexsero is funded for 2 doses for:

• people aged 13 to 25 years who are entering, or in specified close-living situations

• catch up for people aged 13 to 25 years available until 28 February 2024

Use for high risk patients remains unchanged.

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National Immunisation Schedule - Primary course and booster  

Routine childhood schedule: 3 months, 5 months and a booster at 12 months.

Approved alternative schedule (no prescription required): 8 weeks, 4 months and a booster at 12 months.  

On time immunisation is essential for best protection. Do not delay the 6-week immunisation event.

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Vaccine spacing

• Infants aged 2 months to 11 months (at age of first dose) give two doses 8 weeks apart and booster at least 6 months after primary course from 12 months of age.

• Toddlers aged 12 -23 months (at time of first dose), give 2 doses 8 weeks apart and a booster dose 12-23 months after the second primary dose.

• Children aged from 2 years (at time of first dose), give 2 doses 8 weeks apart.

• Aged 13 years and over, give 2 doses 8 weeks apart.

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Paracetamol for children under 2 years

Prophylactic paracetamol is recommended for children under 2 years because of the risk of high fever, which is more likely when Bexsero is administered at the same time/visit as other vaccines.

Three doses of paracetamol (15mg/kg, using 120mg/5ml oral suspension) are recommended with 4 to 6 hours between each paracetamol dose, whether the child has a fever or not. (Maximum of four doses of paracetamol in 24 hours).

The first paracetamol dose administered up to 30 minutes prior to Bexsero administration.

• If the first paracetamol dose has not been given before the child is vaccinated, administer the dose at the time of vaccination

The second paracetamol dose is given 4 to 6 hours after the first dose.

The third paracetamol dose is given a further 4 to 6 hours later.

• If the infant or child is sleeping when the second or third paracetamol dose is due, it is not necessary to wake the child, the dose can be given when the child wakes up as long as it is at least 6 hours since the previous dose was given.

In some circumstances (e.g., those enrolled in the PIPPA Tamariki Study) ibuprofen may be recommended as an alternative to paracetamol.

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‍Bexsero should not be given to:

• Anyone with severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or any component of the vaccine.

• Administration of Bexsero should be postponed in individuals suffering from a fever over 38°C. The presence of a minor infection is not a reason to delay immunisation.

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Specialist advice should be sought for:

• Those with bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia. The vaccine should be administered in accordance with the haematologist’s instructions.

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‍IMAC resources:

These are being updated and will be provided here as soon as possible.

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MedSafe datasheets

You can search for the latest datasheets on the MedSafe website here.
The datas sheets change over time so searching on the MedSafe site is the safest way to get the latest information.

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