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 Content Editor

Meningococcal B (Men-B) vaccine

Learn about the meningococcal B (Men-B) vaccine, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.

Disease it protects from

The Men-B vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis type B bacteria.

Who should get this vaccine

You should get this vaccine if you’re at risk for meningococcal B disease because of:

  • certain health problems
  • the type of work you do (such as some lab workers)
  • close contact with someone with meningococcal B disease

Talk to a public health nurse to find out if you can get the Men-B vaccine for free.

Other people may also benefit from this vaccine, such as if you travel to an area that has a high risk of meningococcal B disease, but it’s not free.

If you can’t get the vaccine for free, check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

  • You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
  • You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

The number of doses you need depends on your age and why you’re getting the vaccine.

Ask your healthcare provider how many doses you need.

Other vaccines that protect against the same diseases

  • MenconC protects against type C meningococcal disease. As part of the routine immunization schedule, children get this vaccine starting at age 4 months.
  • MenC-ACYW protects against types A, C, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease. Grade 9 students can get this vaccine as part of the school immunization program. This will boost their protection against type C meningococcal disease and protect them from types A, Y, and W-135. You may also get this vaccine if you travel to an area that has a high risk of meningococcal disease or you have other health problems.

Even if you’ve had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you may still need Men-B to protect you from type B meningococcal disease.

Get the vaccine

If you need the vaccine because of your work (such as some lab workers), talk to your workplace health and safety department.

If you can get the vaccine at your local public health or community health centre.

If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Current as of: June 30, 2023
Author: Provincial Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.