Note: This document contains side effect information about meningococcal group B vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Bexsero.
Applies to meningococcal group B vaccine: intramuscular suspension.
Warning
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Becoming infected with meningococcal disease and developing meningitis is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Any vaccine may cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.
You may feel faint after receiving this vaccine. Some people have had seizure-like reactions after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.
Common side effects may include:
-
headache;
-
feeling tired;
-
muscle or joint pain;
-
nausea, diarrhea; or
-
pain, redness, swelling, or a hard lump where the shot was given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to meningococcal group B vaccine: intramuscular suspension.
General
The most common adverse events were pain at the injection site, fatigue, erythema, myalgia, headache, and induration.[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (92.8%), erythema (50%), induration (32%), swelling (21.6%)
Postmarketing reports: Blisters at or around injection site[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (64.4%), headache (56.9%), sleepiness, unusual crying
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Seizures (including febrile seizures)
Postmarketing reports: Syncope, vasovagal responses to injection[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (49%), chills (30.3%), arthralgia (21.6%)[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (19%), diarrhea (15.2%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting[Ref]
Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Irritability[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Eating disorders[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fever[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eczema
Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pallor (rare after booster)
Rare (less than 0.1%): Kawasaki syndrome[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylaxis
Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions, rash, eye swelling[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Nasopharyngitis[Ref]
