Important information for providers who care for University of Wisconsin Students

There was an outbreak of three cases of MenB at University of Wisconsin-Madison last month. UW Health Services gave vaccines to about 20,000 students; and 1,766 are Illinois residents. They will need a second dose around Thanksgiving or Winter break. See the attached IDPH notice for details.

What you need to know to help keep Illinois’ University of Wisconsin-Madison students safe:
UW gave the two-time vaccine (Bexsero). Some Illinois practices may stock Bexsero, but others could have the three-time (Trumenba) MenB vaccine on hand. Trumenba cannot be used in this case. At this time, IDPH does not have additional options on where your patients can obtain Bexsero. UW students are being encouraged to get the second dose at the UW's health services upon return if they cannot get it through their provider, retail clinic, or pharmacy. The students/parents have been encouraged to call ahead to inquire about the availability of Bexsero.

If a UW student in your practice comes in for the MenB vaccine, and if you carry Bexsero, please administer their second dose. If you stock Trumenba, please do not vaccinate UW students.
Here’s some information from a UCSB website about the MenB vaccines

How many shots are needed for full protection against MenB disease?
For Bexsero®, a series of 2 shots given now and one month later is needed to provide maximum immunity.

Although some protection is achieved after the first shot, studies have shown this response soon wanes, and it is very important to complete the series for each product in order to develop full and longer lasting protection against disease. The two vaccine products, Trumenba and Bexsero, cannot be interchanged.

Again, please share with your colleagues who care for college students.