Meningococcal B vaccination
Information about the meningococcal B vaccination
Meningococcal B is transmitted from person to person. Although the disease is very rare in Germany, the consequences of contracting it are usually serious. Infants and young children are at the highest risk of contracting meningococcal B.
What is meningococcal B?
Meningococcal B are bacterial pathogens. They are mainly submitted through coughing and sneezing as a droplet infection or through direct contact with saliva. Although infection is very rare in Germany, the disease can take a severe course and lead, for example, to bacterial meningitis or blood poisoning with sepsis. The overall mortality rate for invasive disease in Germany is around 8%. Infants and young children under the age of 5 are particularly affected by the disease. Survivors often suffer lifelong long-term damage and have a significantly reduced quality of life.
How can you protect yourself against meningococcal B?
Vaccination offers the best protection against meningococcal B infection.
Who is the vaccination suitable for?
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the meningococcal B vaccination for the following people:
- Complement/properdin deficiency
- Treatment with C5 complement inhibitors (e.g. eculizumab or ravulizumab)
- Hypogammaglobulinaemia
- Functional or anatomical asplenia
Which vaccines are available?
In Germany, there are two different vaccines against meningococcal B:
What side effects may occur?
The vaccination may cause redness, swelling and pain at the injection site. In addition, fever, chills, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, drowsiness, unusual crying in children, gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, skin rash, eczema, tiredness, and muscle or joint pain in the arms and legs may occur. Seizures may occur occasionally. In rare cases, Kawasaki syndrome or other serious side effects may occur. For further information about risks and side effects, please seek medical advice or consult your pharmacist.
Which costs are reimbursed by SBK?
When travelling to high-risk areas, SBK reimburses 100% of the costs for the meningococcal B vaccination.
To claim reimbursement, simply upload the doctor’s invoice, the pharmacy invoice and the vaccine prescription to the Meine SBK App. As soon as we have received the prescription and the invoice, we will reimburse the cost of the vaccination by bank transfer to your bank account.
Alternatively, send your documents by post. You can find our address and a prepaid envelope
Where can I get myself or my child vaccinated?
You or your child can receive the meningococcal B vaccination at your GP practice or paediatrician’s practice. The vaccine is usually in stock at the practice.
Questions about the pathogen and the vaccination
