
In Florida, pharmacists are permitted to administer meningococcal vaccines under certain circumstances, according to House Bill 323, which became law in 2014. Meningococcal disease is uncommon but serious and can be deadly, causing meningitis and bloodstream infections. Vaccines are available to prevent this disease, with the CDC recommending a booster dose for individuals at increased risk during an outbreak. The MenB vaccine, in particular, requires multiple doses for maximum protection, and it is recommended that patients receive the same vaccine product for all doses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can pharmacists administer the MenB vaccine during an outbreak? | Yes, in Florida, pharmacists are authorized to administer meningococcal vaccines under certain circumstances. |
| Which states allow pharmacists to administer vaccines? | Pharmacists can administer the MMR vaccine without a prescription in most states and US territories, except New York, West Virginia, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. |
| What are the advantages of pharmacists administering vaccines? | Pharmacies are more accessible, with longer hours and no appointments needed. |
| What is the recommended dosage for the MenB vaccine? | Both MenB vaccine products require more than one dose for maximum protection. The CDC recommends administering 2 or 3 doses, with the second dose given 1 to 2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose. |
| Who should receive the MenB vaccine? | The CDC recommends the MenB vaccine for adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 23 years who are not at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. |
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What You'll Learn
- Florida law permits pharmacists to administer the MenB vaccine
- The MenB vaccine requires multiple doses for maximum protection
- The CDC recommends booster doses for those at increased risk during an outbreak
- MenB vaccines are most effective for adolescents and young adults
- MenB vaccines are safe, with mild and rare side effects

Florida law permits pharmacists to administer the MenB vaccine
In Florida, the law permits pharmacists to administer vaccines under certain circumstances. House Bill 323, which became law on July 1, 2014, amended the law and authorized pharmacists to administer meningococcal and shingles vaccines. This includes the MenB vaccine, which is a critical protection against meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious illness that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
The MenB vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults, particularly those who are college-bound, as outbreaks have been known to occur on college campuses. The CDC recommends a shared clinical decision-making process to decide if the MenB vaccination is appropriate for individuals in this age group. The preferred age for maximum protection is 16 through 18 years.
Both MenB vaccine products, Bexsero and Trumenba, require more than one dose for maximum protection. Patients must receive the same vaccine product for all doses, including any booster doses. The CDC recommends administering two or three doses, with the second dose given one to two months after the first, and the third dose given six months after the first.
Pharmacists in most states can administer the MMR vaccine without a prescription, and their expanded public health role has made vaccinations more accessible to patients. During outbreaks, pharmacists can play a crucial role in administering vaccines, as they often offer longer hours and do not require appointments. However, it is important to note that state laws differ, and there are some states, like New York, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, where pharmacists are not permitted to administer certain vaccines.
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The MenB vaccine requires multiple doses for maximum protection
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially deadly illness that causes meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is an uncommon disease, with an estimated average of 54 to 67 cases per year in 11 to 24-year-olds in the United States. However, it is vaccine-preventable, and the development of MenB vaccines has offered protection against the B serotype of meningococcus.
For healthy adolescents and young adults, the recommended schedule for the MenB-FHbp (Trumenba) vaccine is typically a two-dose series administered at 0 and 6 months. This schedule has been shown to provide strong and broadly protective immunogenicity, with immune persistence of up to 48 months after primary vaccination.
For individuals at increased risk, such as those with prolonged exposure or a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, a tailored three-dose schedule may be recommended. This schedule involves administering the vaccine at 0, 1-2, and 6 months. This approach ensures rapid protection and is often considered for those who need faster immunization, such as students entering college in less than six months.
It is important to note that the recommended interval between doses and the need for booster shots may vary based on age and vaccine type. Individuals must receive the same vaccine product for all doses, including booster doses, to ensure consistent protection.
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The CDC recommends booster doses for those at increased risk during an outbreak
The CDC recommends a meningococcal booster dose for those at increased risk during a meningococcal disease outbreak. The booster dose provides additional protection to those who were previously vaccinated but remain at risk during an outbreak. This includes people with prolonged increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y and B meningococcal disease. The CDC recommends a shared clinical decision-making process to determine if the MenB vaccine is suitable for individual adolescents or young adults.
The CDC's recommendations for booster doses vary depending on the time passed since the last vaccine and the specific vaccine product. For the MenB vaccine, individuals should receive the same vaccine product for all doses. If a year or more has passed since the most recent MenB vaccine, the CDC recommends a booster dose. In outbreak situations, public health authorities may recommend a booster dose after 6 months.
For the MenACWY vaccine, the CDC recommends a booster dose if 5 or more years have passed since the last vaccination. The MenABCWY vaccine, which combines both MenACWY and MenB vaccines, can be used only when both vaccines are indicated at the same visit. Otherwise, the MenACWY and MenB vaccines should be administered separately as appropriate.
The CDC also provides age-based recommendations for meningococcal vaccines. All 11- to 12-year-old adolescents should receive the MenACWY vaccine, with a booster dose recommended at age 16 to provide protection during the ages of highest risk. The preferred age range for maximum protection for the MenB vaccine is 16 to 18 years. However, college-bound students with less than 6 months before college entry may receive a 3-dose series to optimize rapid protection.
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MenB vaccines are most effective for adolescents and young adults
In the United States, the estimated average number of meningococcal disease cases in 11 to 24-year-olds is 54 to 67 per year. The disease is most common in babies, teens, and young adults, with disease levels increasing in adolescence, starting around age 11 and peaking around age 19. It is also more common in people with weak immune systems, those who are sexually active with multiple partners, and those over 65.
The meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine helps protect against meningococcal B infections, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and can lead to death or severe complications such as brain damage, seizures, strokes, or deafness.
The CDC recommends a shared clinical decision-making process to determine if MenB vaccination is appropriate for individual adolescents or young adults. The preferred age for MenB vaccination is 16 to 18 years, as it maximizes protection during the ages of highest risk. However, teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 may choose to get the MenB vaccine after discussing their situation and risk with their healthcare provider.
The MenB vaccine is particularly important for those at higher risk due to a meningococcal B outbreak, which can occur in close-living situations such as college dorms or military barracks. Additionally, the vaccine is advised for teens and young adults with certain health conditions, such as a weak immune system or the absence of a spleen.
To ensure maximum protection, two doses of the MenB vaccine should be administered six months apart. For those seeking faster protection, such as students with less than six months before college entry, a 3-dose series (0, 1-2, 6 months) can be given.
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MenB vaccines are safe, with mild and rare side effects
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. It can be deadly, but vaccines such as MenB can help prevent it. The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria that can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and sepsis.
The MenB vaccine is safe, with mild and rare side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, nausea, and muscle pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, lasting for a day or two. Fever is also a common side effect, especially when the vaccine is given with other routine vaccines at 8 and 12 weeks. It is recommended to give children infant paracetamol after their MenB vaccinations at these ages to help prevent or treat a high temperature.
Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually occur within minutes of receiving the vaccine. Healthcare providers are trained to deal with such allergic reactions and treat them immediately. Fainting can also occur after receiving the MenB vaccine, so individuals may be asked to sit or lie down for 15 minutes afterward as a precaution.
In addition to these common and rare side effects, there have been reports of more severe adverse events. In one instance, there were 13 cases of autoimmune conditions reported out of 4,576 persons who received the MenB-FHbp vaccine. However, upon further examination, these conditions were determined to have other causes or occurred at rates expected in the general population.
Overall, the MenB vaccine is considered safe for individuals 10 to 25 years old. It is important to note that individuals with certain complement deficiencies or those receiving specific treatments may be at increased risk for invasive disease even after vaccination. Pregnant individuals, those planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits of the vaccine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of July 1, 2014, pharmacists in Florida are authorized to administer the MenB vaccine under certain circumstances.
The recommended interval between doses varies by age and vaccine type. For people 10 years of age or older who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, administer 3 doses with the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose and the third dose 6 months after the first dose. For healthy adolescents and young adults (ages 16-23 years) who are not at increased risk, administer 2 doses with the second dose 6 months after the first dose.
The two MenB vaccines that have been developed are MenB-FHbP (Trumenba) and MenB-4C (Bexsero).
Yes, vaccine providers may administer MenACWY and MenB vaccines during the same visit but at different injection sites. However, the MenABCWY vaccine, which combines both vaccines, can also be given.


































