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.

How well it works

There is more to learn about how well the Men-B vaccine works. Research has shown that it helped to reduce meningococcal B disease in groups who got this vaccine. This vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from meningococcal B disease.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the Men-B vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness, swelling, a hard spot, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• crying, feeling tired, or getting upset easily
• headache
• fever
• body aches or sore joints
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), vomiting (throwing up), or loose stool (diarrhea)
• rash or hives (hives are more common in children under age 2 years)

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It’s important to stay for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.