Bexsero (Meningitis ‘B’ Vaccine) Vaccine – now in stock !
At long last we have managed to obtain a small quantity of Meningitis ‘B’ Vaccine (Bexsero)
We are now contacting all those who have left details and have requested that we contact them when the vaccine has arrived – it may take a little while, but if you have left your details with us on our waiting list, we will be able to offer you an appointment.
If you have not added your details please contact us as as possible and we will add your details to the list. However we will be allocating the vaccine in strict rotation.
We have contacted the first few on our list. The same questions, more or less, were asked by those we contacted and this is a short summary. If the question you have is not discussed please contact a member of our meningitis team and I am sure we will be able to give you the answer
Q1 What is the price?
A1 The price is £175.00 per dose but always please refer to the website for the most up to date price
Q2 Why is it so expensive. Originally your price was £129.50?
A2 Correct it was £129.50. However a lot has changed since that price was published. This is the crucial question. You will be aware that in February the manufacturers, Novartis (now Glaxo) instructed all private providers, that because of unexpected, worldwide demand there is a shortage of vaccine and should not initiate any new courses. They stated that they would provide sufficient vaccine for any patients who had started the course but not for any new patients. Furthermore this shortage would continue until summer / autumn of 2016. The graphic images of young babies plus the stories surrounding sporting celebrities, created even more demand than already existed. Since that announcement in February we have been attempting to source from outside the UK – we have finally found a supplier in Europe who could satisfy our requirements.
Licensing, Cold Chain Transport & Storage, more supply supply chain intermediaries, all have contributed to the costs.
Q3 Will the price ever refer back to £129.50?
A3 Absolutely – as soon as Glaxo get their act together and supply us in the normal way – the price will go back to pre-February prices.
Q4 Is that price for one or two doses?
A4 This price of £175.00 is for one dose
Q5 Is this vaccine the same as I might get from my GP ?
A5 Yes – it is manufactured by the same manufacturer as in UK. They are a multi – national company – Novartis (now Glaxo (GSK))
Q6 Is it safe for my child?
A6 Indeed it is – of course every parent / guardian wants their child to avoid meningitis B – but not at the risk of harm. It is licensed via high European standards, regulated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Q7 Why the requirement for a non-refundable deposit – you don’t normally ask for one?
A7 Yes that’s true, but we are in an unusual situation where we have high demand and a limited supply. As soon as you agree and make an appointment the vaccine is allocated to you and put aside with your name on it. We need the assurance that you will attend (save for issues of illness etc and new appointment re-scheduled)
Q8 Can you please explain the timing schedule between doses for my child?
Q8 This all depends on the age of the person as follows:
Infants 2 months to 5 months of age
Your child should receive an initial course of three injections of the vaccine followed by a fourth injection (booster).
- The first injection should be given at 2 months of age. –
- The interval between each injection should be at least 1 month
- A fourth injection (booster) will be given between 12 months and 15 months of age. In case of delay, the booster should not be given later than 24 months.
Infants 6 months to 11 months of age
Unvaccinated infants 6 months to 11 months of age should receive two injections followed by a third injection (booster).
- The interval between the injections should be at least 2 months.
- A third injection (booster) will be given in the second year of life after an interval of at least 2 months from the second injection
Children 12 months to 23 months of age
Children 12 months to 23 months of age should receive two injections followed by a third injection (booster).
- The interval between each injection should be at least 2 months
- A third injection (booster) will be given after an interval of 12 to 23 months from the second injection
Children 2 years to 10 years of age
Children 2 years to 10 years of age should receive two injections.
- The interval between each injection should be at least 2 months.
Adolescents (from 11 years of age) and adults
Adolescents (from 11 years of age) and adults should receive two injections.
- The interval between each injection should be at least 1 month.
Adults above 50 years of age
There are no data in adults above 50 years of age. Ask your doctor for advice whether it is beneficial for you to receive Bexsero.
If you have any further questions on schedules or there is anything else you would like to know, please contact one of the meningitis team on 020 441 2222
Q9 Are there any side effects?
A9 Just to confirm, this vaccine will have exactly the same profile of side effects as that of the UK manufactured vaccine. There is no difference.
Like all vaccines, this vaccine can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. When Bexsero is given to your child , the very common side effects, which may affect more than 1 in 10 patients that (you) or your child may experience based around the injection site, so redness, swelling, pain or soreness. These side effects are common to all vaccines.
For further information please click on the link to the patient leaflet Bexsero – Patient Informaton Leaflet This will give all the information concerning this vaccine.