Getting the balance of risks right with Bexsero and paracetamol

+Practice
In print
Pharmacotherapy

Getting the balance of risks right with Bexsero and paracetamol

Leanne Te Karu

Leanne Te Karu

Cute Baby
Global use of Bexsero in infants has significantly decreased invasive meningococcal disease [Image: Nihal Karkala on Unsplash]

The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease has increased over the last five years, with Māori and Pacific babies inequitably affected. Broader protection is now possible with the Bexsero vaccine, but careful coadministration of paracetamol is required to mitigate common adverse effects, says pharmacist prescriber Leanne Te Karu

Key points, Bexsero is a reactogenic vaccine; it is advised that three doses of paracetamol be administered alongside the vaccination. Paracetamol is the most c, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

1. Burton C, Best E, Broom M, et al. Pediatric invasive meningococcal disease, Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), 2004-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2023;29(4):686–95.

2. ESR. Meningococcal disease.

3. Martinón-Torres F, Banzhoff A, Azzari C, et al. Recent advances in meningococcal B disease prevention: real-world evidence from 4CMenB vaccination. J Infect 2021;83(1):17–26.

4. De Serres G, Billard MN, Gariépy MC, et al. Short-term safety of 4CMenB vaccine during a mass meningococcal B vaccination campaign in Quebec, Canada. Vaccine 2018;36(52):8039–46.

5. Kumpula EK, Paterson DA, Pomerleau AC. A retrospective analysis of therapeutic drug exposures in New Zealand National Poisons Centre data 2018-2020. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023;47(2):100027.

6. UK National Health Service. How and when to give paracetamol for children.