Meningitis B Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions
I understand there are 2 vaccines for Meningitis B. What is the difference between Trumenba and Bexsero
Both are FDA approved for protection against meningitis B with a 2 shot series. In the event of an official ‘outbreak’ as declared by public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and/or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a 3rd dose of Trumenba is needed.
Bexsero has the advantage that complete protection is provided with 2 doses and the second dose is only 1 month after the first whereas with Trumenba 3 doses are required for ‘complete’ protection with the 3rd dose 6 months after the first.
Smith is currently providing Trumenba vaccine; why are some students being recommended 3 shots but most Smith students only 2 How many shots of Trumenba do I need?
As an ‘outbreak’ has been declared at UMass (and not at Smith or the other 3 Colleges), Smith students who attend classes at UMASS fall in the category of students that the Department of Public Health is recommending have complete immunization against meningitis, which would be 3 doses ofTrumenba or 2 doses of Bexsero.
But only 2 doses are needed by Smith students who do not attend UMASS classes as that is considered full immunization except in an outbreak situation.
Bexsero, when available, obviates this distinction as 2 doses would be used by everyone.
But I attend parties at UMass; shouldn’t I have 3 doses of the vaccine? How do I know if I need 2 or 3 doses of Trumenba?
Having a 3 dose series (0, 2nd dose at 1 to 2 months, and 3rd dose at6 months) is certainly an option but not currently a recommendation for Smith students who do not attend classes at UMASS. Without an outbreak declared at Smith, insurance may not cover a 3rd dose. But we will gladly administer the 3 dose series if you would like. Two doses of Trumenba is considered full immunization absent an outbreak situation.
Bexsero, when available, obviates this distinction as 2 doses are used by everyone.
Will l have more complete protection with 3 doses of Trumenba
Two doses of Trumemba is the standard recommendation for the prevention of meningitis B. But 3 doses of Trumemba provides additional protection. Which is why, if an outbreak of meningitis B is declared, 3 doses are needed (time 0, 1 to 2 months and 6 months).
Complete protection is provided by 2 doses of Bexsero (time 0, 1 month).
If I am late for my next dose of Trumenba can I get it later; will I still have protection
Yes, if you are late with a scheduled dose, you may take it at a later date.
Can I get my second dose of Trumenba earlier than 6 months?
If a second dose is administered earlier than 6 months after the first dose (for a 2 dose series), a 3rd dose is needed at least 4 months after the 2nd dose. For example, you receive your first dose today and a 2nd dose in 5 months instead of 6 months, you would not be protected until receiving a 3rd dose in 10 months from today.
I received a first dose of Trumenba, can I have Bexserofor my second dose
While the vaccines are both effective, they are not interchangeable. If you started with one, subsequent doses must be the same vaccine.
Why is UMass providing Bexsero and Smith Trumenbavaccine
Both vaccines are equally effective and approved for the prevention of meningitis B. We were able to quickly obtain Trumenba. We are in the process of obtaining Bexsero which may be in short supply.
Will insurance pay for my vaccine?
Smith Insurance covers the vaccine. Private insurers may not always cover the vaccine. Call your insurance provider about coverage and cost. Inform them that you are a student in the Five College area where state officials have identified a Meningitis B outbreak in one of the schools. Ask they check your pharmacy benefit regarding coverage with or without a written prescription.
Are Trumenba and Bexsero different from the vaccines I had when I came to Smith
The required meningitis vaccine for incoming students covers 4 strains of meningitis (A,C,W, Y)
but not meningitis B. Only Trumenba and Bexserocover the meningitis B strain.
11/28/17