From the Guidelines
Bexsero (Meningococcal B vaccine) is not specifically indicated for a 4-month-old male traveling to Japan. Japan is not considered a high-risk country for meningococcal disease, and routine meningococcal B vaccination is not recommended specifically for travel to Japan 1. The standard immunization schedule includes vaccines that are appropriate for a 4-month-old, such as DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus vaccines.
Key Points to Consider
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) does not recommend the use of MenB vaccines in infants under 2 months of age unless otherwise indicated 1.
- For international travelers, vaccination is recommended for those visiting areas with high rates of meningococcal disease, but Japan is not considered one of these areas 1.
- The ACIP recommends that travelers to other countries follow the vaccination recommendations for their specific destination, and consult with a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist to discuss any specific travel-related health concerns or vaccination needs 1.
Recommendations
- Before traveling, parents should ensure their child is up-to-date on routine vaccinations according to the recommended immunization schedule.
- It would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure to discuss any specific travel-related health concerns or vaccination needs based on the specific itinerary, duration of stay, and planned activities in Japan.
- The healthcare provider may consider other vaccinations or medications that may be necessary for travel to Japan, such as influenza or hepatitis A vaccine, but Bexsero is not specifically recommended for this age group or travel destination 1.
From the Research
Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) Indication
- The Meningococcal B vaccine, Bexsero, is licensed for active immunization against MenB disease in various age groups, including infants, in over 35 countries worldwide 2.
- Clinical recommendations for the use of Bexsero include use in high-risk groups, outbreak control, and routine infant immunization 2.
- The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B 3, 4.
Age and Travel Considerations
- The studies provided do not specifically address the indication of Bexsero for a 4-month-old male traveling to Japan 2, 5, 3, 4, 6.
- However, Bexsero is licensed for use in infants, and the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended its inclusion in the routine immunization schedule for infants 2.
- Travel to Japan may pose a risk of exposure to meningococcal disease, but the specific risk for a 4-month-old male is not addressed in the provided studies.
Vaccine Administration and Recommendations
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the use of MenB vaccines, including Bexsero, among certain groups of persons aged ≥10 years who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease 5.
- The studies provided do not specifically address the administration of Bexsero to a 4-month-old male, but they do highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B 2, 3, 4, 6.