Bexsero (Meningococcal B Vaccine) Guide: 59 Questions Answered

Bexsero is a vaccine used to build active immunity against invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B (meningococcus B). These diseases include meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain) and blood poisoning (sepsis). ^[1]

Meningococcal disease is rare but can progress very quickly and have serious consequences. It is most common in babies, young children, adolescents and young adults. Vaccination aims to provide protection before the disease can occur. ^[2]

Bexsero protects only against meningococcus B. Protection against types A, C, W and Y requires a separate MenACWY vaccine (for example Nimenrix or Menveo). The two vaccines do not replace each other; if needed, both can be planned together. ^[2]

No. Bexsero is made from purified meningococcal B proteins and fragments of the bacterium's outer membrane. It contains no live bacteria and cannot cause the disease. ^[1]

No. The MenB vaccine is not part of Turkey's routine childhood vaccination schedule. You can therefore get it on request, after a doctor's assessment.

Yes. Completing all doses planned for your age is important for full protection to develop. In some age groups a booster dose is also needed after the series. No vaccine guarantees 100% protection in every person. ^[1]

Bexsero can be given from 2 months of age. At our clinic we give Bexsero to babies, children and adults. Before vaccination, our doctor reviews age, health status and previous vaccinations. ^[1]

There are two options at this age: 2 doses at least 2 months apart, or 3 doses at least 1 month apart. With either option, a booster dose is given after 12 months of age and at least 6 months after the primary series. ^[1]

2 doses are given at least 2 months apart. A booster dose follows in the second year of life, at least 2 months after the primary series. ^[1]

Yes. Children aged 12–23 months receive 2 doses at least 2 months apart. A booster dose is recommended 12–23 months after the primary series. At the appointment our doctor reviews your baby's health and previous vaccinations; just bring the vaccination card. ^[1]

2 doses are given at least 1 month apart. A routine booster has not been established for this age group; if there is an ongoing risk of meningococcal disease, the doctor will assess it. ^[1]

From age 11, 2 doses are given at least 1 month apart. Some countries schedule the two doses 6 months apart, and a 3-dose schedule may be used depending on risk. Our doctor will set your personal schedule. ^{[1, 2]}

Safety and efficacy have not yet been sufficiently studied in people over 50. For this age group, the decision to vaccinate is made after a doctor's assessment that weighs personal risk and benefit. ^[1]

People with complement deficiencies, those taking complement inhibitors such as eculizumab, people without a spleen or with a non-functioning spleen, laboratory staff working with meningococcal bacteria, and people in outbreak areas are at higher risk. In people taking complement inhibitors, the risk may persist even after vaccination; be sure to tell our doctor. ^{[1, 2]}

Yes. You can complete a Bexsero series started at another centre or in another country at our clinic. Bring the vaccination record or certificate for your first dose; our doctor will check the dose interval and your schedule.

It depends on the age of the person being vaccinated. For children aged 2 and older, adolescents and adults, at least 1 month between doses is enough, so 16 October is a suitable date. For children aged 6 months to 2 years, at least 2 months are required, so the second dose should not be given before mid-November. Share the age and date of the first dose and we will find the right day together. ^[1]

No, you usually don't need to start over. The overdue dose is given as soon as possible and the series continues. Doses should never be given earlier than the minimum interval. Share your previous dose dates with us and our doctor will set your plan.

No. MenB vaccines are not interchangeable. A series started with Bexsero must be completed with Bexsero. ^{[1, 2]}

Babies and children who start vaccination before age 2 need a booster dose; its timing depends on the age at the first dose. A routine booster has not been established from age 2 onwards; if a risk persists, the doctor will assess it. Some programmes recommend regular boosters for people in high-risk groups. ^{[1, 2]}

The most common are fever, tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site, irritability, sleepiness, diarrhoea, vomiting, changes in appetite and rash. These usually pass quickly. ^[1]

The most common are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain and nausea. These usually pass within a few days. ^[1]

Fever after Bexsero is common, especially in babies and young children, and occurs more often when given on the same day as other infant vaccines. Preventive paracetamol reduces how often fever occurs and how high it gets, without reducing the vaccine's effect. Plan the dose and timing with our doctor; if the fever is high or lasts long, contact us and your doctor. ^[1]

Vaccination is postponed during an acute illness with high fever. A mild infection such as a cold, however, is not a reason to delay on its own. Once the fever has gone and your baby feels well, we can reschedule the appointment; on the day, our doctor will examine your baby. ^[1]

If you had a severe allergic reaction to a previous Bexsero dose or to any of its components, the vaccine will not be given. Please tell us about any previous reactions before your appointment. The syringe tip cap and plunger do not contain natural rubber latex. ^[1]

Shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, widespread hives, fainting or a change in consciousness require emergency help. This is why you are observed at the clinic for a short time after vaccination. ^[1]

People with a weakened immune system may respond less strongly to the vaccine. Because the vaccine is injected into the muscle, bleeding disorders and blood thinners also matter. Tell our doctor about these conditions and any medicines you take; suitability and timing are decided after the assessment. ^[1]

Clinical data on use during pregnancy are insufficient. However, vaccination should not be delayed when there is a clear risk of exposure to meningococcus B. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the decision is made together with our doctor. ^[1]

There are no safety data for the breastfeeding period. The decision to vaccinate is made with your doctor, weighing the expected benefit against possible risks. ^[1]

Yes. Bexsero can be given on the same day as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (acellular), Hib, polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox and MenACWY vaccines, at different injection sites. Fever after vaccination may be more common when vaccines are given on the same day. ^[1]

Non-live vaccines can generally be given at the same visit, in different arms. Whether Bexsero and Gardasil 9 can be given on the same day is assessed by our doctor based on your age and health. Share the dose schedules of both vaccines in advance and we will plan your appointment accordingly.

All three are non-live vaccines, and they can be given at the same visit at different injection sites. However, each vaccine has different age and eligibility criteria; for example, data for Bexsero above age 50 are limited. Getting them on the same day may increase post-vaccination discomfort. Our doctor will decide whether all three are suitable together based on your age and health.

Yes. In addition to Bexsero, our clinic offers Gardasil 9 (HPV), Shingrix (shingles), Rotarix (rotavirus), Prevenar 20 and Pneumovax (pneumococcal), seasonal flu, Twinrix (hepatitis A + B), Arexvy and Abrysvo (RSV), and Nimenrix and Menveo (MenACWY). Send us the list of vaccines you need in advance and we will plan stock and timing together.

It is injected deep into the muscle: in babies usually into the front-outer side of the thigh, and in older children and adults into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. If other vaccines are given on the same day, different sites are used. ^[1]

No, it doesn't need mixing. Bexsero comes in a ready-to-use prefilled syringe; it is shaken well before use and is not mixed with any other vaccine in the same syringe. It is not given into a vein or under the skin; a healthcare professional injects it into the muscle. ^[1]

You don't need to bring an interpreter; we provide language support for everything at our clinic. No external doctor's report or referral is needed either. Just bring the passport of the person being vaccinated, any previous vaccination records, and information about significant health conditions or medicines.

You are observed at the clinic for a short time after vaccination. If you feel well, you can continue your daily life and travel plans. For babies and children, monitor for fever in the first days after vaccination and make sure they drink enough fluids. ^[1]

Yes, vaccinations are by appointment. Contacting us two days in advance is usually enough. If availability and stock allow, we can offer an appointment for the next day, and with prior notice you can even come the same day. If your travel date is close, writing a few days ahead makes planning easier.

Yes. If your plans change, let us know as early as possible. Depending on availability, we can move your appointment to a later time on the same day or to another day.

Yes. Telling us about the extra doses you want to take home along with your appointment request allows us to reserve your vaccines and prepare the cool bag and documents in time.

Bexsero is usually in stock. Still, please message us before your trip to confirm current availability. If you are getting more than one vaccine, tell us all of them and the total number of doses in advance so we can reserve them for your dates.

No external prescription is needed. A doctor's assessment is already part of every vaccination at our clinic. If your own doctor has a recommendation or vaccination plan, you can share it and our doctor will take it into account when setting your plan.

A doctor's assessment is part of every vaccination at our clinic and is included in the vaccine fee. With or without a prescription, our doctor will review your health and previous vaccinations.

Yes. We can schedule appointments for people coming together on the same day, one after another. Each person receives a separate doctor's assessment and a certificate issued in their own name. When booking, share everyone's name as written in their passport and the child's age.

Yes. We provide language support for everything at our clinic. Throughout the process — appointment, consultation, vaccination and documents — you can communicate in your preferred language.

Our clinic is open Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00 and Saturday 09:00–14:00. We are closed on Sundays and on public and religious holidays.

Our clinic is in the Lotus Nişantaşı Offices in the Nişantaşı area of Şişli. Address: Lotus Nişantaşı Ofisleri, No: 82, Halaskargazi Cad. No: 38-66, Şişli, Istanbul. Enter the building through entrance A and go up to our office, number 82, on the 5th floor. The clinic is in the city centre, with many hotels nearby. Google Maps location: Lotus Nişantaşı Offices – Google Maps.

All patients at our clinic pay the same fee. To calculate the total accurately, tell us how many people will be vaccinated, how many doses will be given and how many doses you want to take with you. For current prices, please contact the clinic: WhatsApp +90 545 440 55 45.

Yes. Send us the vaccines you want and the number of doses, and we will share the fee for each vaccine and the total separately. For current prices, please contact the clinic: WhatsApp +90 545 440 55 45.

The vaccination fee at our clinic covers the doctor's assessment, supply and administration of the vaccine, a short observation afterwards and a doctor-signed vaccination certificate. If you'd like extra doses to take with you, we provide separate information about the total fee and travel preparation.

Yes. We provide a thermal cool bag and ice packs for the doses you take with you. We share the cost of travel preparation together with the total. For current prices, please contact the clinic: WhatsApp +90 545 440 55 45.

Yes. You can pay in cash or by debit/credit card. Besides Turkish lira, you can also pay in US dollars or euros; there's no need to exchange to TL beforehand.

Yes. You can have the first dose at our clinic and take the remaining doses with you. We pack the doses in a thermal cool bag with ice packs and issue the related documents. Our doctor determines when the next dose is due based on age; it must be given at a healthcare facility in your destination country. Check the rules of your destination country and airline in advance. ^[1]

No. Shipping medicines and vaccines abroad requires a special export licence, which only the relevant government institutions hold. For this reason, vaccines cannot be sent abroad by courier. You can collect your vaccines in person at our clinic or, if you can't come, send someone you trust.

Yes. Your spouse or a relative can collect your vaccines. Let us know in advance the name of the person collecting and what time they will come. Since ID may be requested at the building entrance, we recommend they carry their ID; if they have any trouble at the entrance, they can message us on WhatsApp and our team will help.

When used as recommended, the thermal bag prepared by our clinic keeps the vaccine at 2–8°C for about 24 hours. It is a standard, small vaccine cool bag; you can carry it by hand or put it in your hand luggage or another bag. If your journey will take longer, let us know in advance so we can plan interim storage together.

From collection to injection, Bexsero must be kept at 2–8°C in its original box and protected from light; it must never be frozen. Make sure the vaccine does not touch the ice packs directly. Our clinic issues a transport document for the doses you take with you; check your airline's rules on medicines and ice packs separately before your flight. ^[1]

Store the vaccine in its original box in a fridge that reliably keeps 2–8°C. Do not put it in the freezer or on shelves near the freezer compartment. Hotel minibars may not always maintain this temperature; if you're unsure, we can plan for you to collect the vaccine close to your departure. ^[1]

Yes. For every dose given, we provide a doctor-signed, letterhead vaccination certificate with a QR code on the day of vaccination. We usually issue it in English; if you need another language, let us know before your appointment.

Yes. The doses you take with you are also recorded on the certificate we issue, so both the dose given and the doses you collected are documented.