Everything You Need To Know About The Bexsero Vaccination

If you have already received the Bexsero vaccination then you are in luck. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it, so keep reading.

The Bexsero vaccination: everything you need to know

What is the Bexsero vaccination?

Bexsero is an immunization against the meningococcal B bacteria. These bacteria can cause both meningitis and blood poisoning.

The vaccination protects against three of the four variants of meningococci. It has an efficacy of more than 90%. The general protection rate of about 70%.

Pediatricians are the strongest supporters of Bexsero.  They indicate that although the disease is relatively rare, complications from meningitis can be prevented thanks to the vaccine. It has no more significant adverse effects than any other vaccine.

What is meningococcal B?

Meningococci is a bacterium that causes rare but very serious infections, such as meningitis and blood poisoning. These diseases have significant consequences. In about 1 in 10 cases, an infection can eventually lead to death.

This germ can infect people of all ages. However, it is more common in young children and adolescents, who are the most vulnerable.

A meningococcal B infection can be treated with antibiotics. But sometimes the disease progresses so quickly that treatment is ineffective. The best prevention is therefore vaccination.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

It can cause significant brain damage and is fatal in 50% of untreated cases.

The bacteria are passed from person to person. This is done via droplets from the nose, throat or mouth. The spread of the disease is facilitated by close and prolonged contact with an infected person.

The average incubation period is 4 days. But this can vary from 2 to 10 days. Even when diagnosed early and the patient receives adequate treatment, 10% of patients die. This usually happens in the first 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

In addition, meningitis can lead to brain damage, deafness or learning disabilities in 20% of survivors.

The most common symptoms of meningitis include:

• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Photosensitivity
• Confusion
• Headache
• Vomit

Blood poisoning

Blood poisoning is a very serious illness, which occurs when the body has an overwhelming immune response to a bacterial infection.

The chemicals released into the blood to fight the infection cause widespread inflammation. This then leads to the formation of blood clots and the leakage of blood vessels. This causes poor blood flow. As a result, the organs are deprived of nutrients and oxygen.

In the most severe cases, one or more organs may fail. In the worst case, low blood pressure causes the heart to weaken.

Patients with blood poisoning are treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital.

Doctors try to treat the infection and maintain the vital organs. They also try to prevent a drop in blood pressure. However, in many cases, surgery is necessary to eliminate an infection.

Side Effects of a Bexsero Vaccination

The reactions associated with the Bexsero vaccination are mild such as:

• Fever
• Irritability
• Pain and redness at the injection site

It is wise to give this vaccine separately from the usual infant spectrum vaccines. There should be at least 3 weeks between vaccines.

In case of fever, which usually does not last long, you should administer a paracetamol. In addition, you can apply ice to the injection site for the first 24 hours.

Do not doubt the need for a vaccination for your child!