WHY IS BEXSERO NOT ON NIP
Why is Bexsero Not on NIP?
Bexsero is a vaccine that protects against serogroup B meningococcal disease, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection. It has been in development for over 20 years and has been used in several countries around the world. However, it is not currently recommended for use in the United States.
Reasons for Excluding Bexsero from NIP
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency responsible for recommending vaccines for use in the United States. The CDC has declined to recommend Bexsero for use on the National Immunization Program (NIP) for several reasons.
Limited Data on Effectiveness: The CDC has expressed concern over the limited data on the effectiveness of Bexsero in preventing serogroup B meningococcal disease in the United States. Although studies conducted in other countries have shown that the vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of disease, the CDC wants more evidence that it is also effective in the United States before recommending it for widespread use.
Cost: Bexsero is a more expensive vaccine than other vaccines on the NIP. The CDC is concerned that adding Bexsero to the NIP would place a financial burden on states and families.
Potential Side Effects: Bexsero has been associated with a few potential side effects, including pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. The CDC is concerned that these side effects could discourage people from getting vaccinated, even if the vaccine is safe and effective.
Future of Bexsero in the United States
The CDC continues to monitor the data on Bexsero and may recommend it for use in the United States in the future if more evidence of its effectiveness becomes available. In the meantime, people who are at risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may still be able to get Bexsero by paying for it out-of-pocket.
What is Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease?
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can affect people of all ages. The bacteria that cause the disease can invade the bloodstream and spinal cord, leading to meningitis and septicemia. Symptoms of the disease can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and rash.
Who is at Risk for Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease?
Anyone can get serogroup B meningococcal disease but some people are at higher risk than others. These include:
- Infants and young children: Children under the age of 5 are at the highest risk of getting the disease.
- College students and people who live in dormitories: Close contact with others can increase the risk of exposure to the bacteria.
- People with weakened immune systems: People with HIV/AIDS or cancer are more likely to get the disease.
- People who travel to areas where the disease is common: Serogroup B meningococcal disease is more common in some parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Bexsero is a vaccine that protects against serogroup B meningococcal disease. However, it is not currently recommended for use in the United States because of concerns about its effectiveness, cost, and potential side effects. The CDC continues to monitor the data on Bexsero and may recommend it for use in the future if more evidence of its effectiveness becomes available.
FAQs
Why is Bexsero not on the NIP?
Bexsero is not on the NIP because of concerns about its effectiveness, cost, and potential side effects.
What is serogroup B meningococcal disease?
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can affect people of all ages. The bacteria that cause the disease can invade the bloodstream and spinal cord, leading to meningitis and septicemia.
Who is at risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease?
Anyone can get serogroup B meningococcal disease but some people are at higher risk than others, including infants and young children, college students and people who live in dormitories, people with weakened immune systems, and people who travel to areas where the disease is common.
What are the symptoms of serogroup B meningococcal disease?
Symptoms of the disease can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and rash.
How can I prevent serogroup B meningococcal disease?
The best way to prevent serogroup B meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about getting the Bexsero vaccine if you are at high risk for the disease.
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