Meningitis B

Meningitis B Vaccine | Private MenB Vaccination Service | Allied Pharmacies

The meningitis B vaccine (Bexsero) protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). According to the NHS, these infections can develop rapidly and may become life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Meningitis B is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. While the NHS provides the MenB vaccine free for babies, older children, teenagers, university students and adults are not routinely covered on the NHS. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacists offer private meningitis B vaccination for anyone who wants to protect themselves or their family.

Use the postcode search below to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering meningitis B vaccination appointments.

What Is Meningitis B?

Meningitis B is an infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria. As outlined by the NHS, it can cause two serious conditions:

• Meningitis — an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Septicaemia (blood poisoning) — an infection of the bloodstream that can lead to sepsis

Both conditions can develop within hours and progress rapidly. Without urgent medical treatment, meningitis B can cause lasting complications including hearing loss, brain damage, limb loss and, in severe cases, death.

Meningococcal bacteria are spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing or prolonged close proximity. Many people carry the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without becoming unwell, but they can still pass it on to others.

Who Is Most at Risk of Meningitis B?

While meningitis B can affect anyone, certain groups face a higher risk of infection:

• Babies and children under 5 years old
• Teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 19
• University students, particularly those in their first year living in halls of residence
• People with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions such as a missing or non-functioning spleen
• Laboratory workers who handle meningococcal bacteria
• Travellers to areas where meningococcal disease is more common

If you or a family member falls into any of these groups and has not been vaccinated, booking a private meningitis B vaccine is strongly recommended.

Who Should Get the Meningitis B Vaccine?

On the NHS, the meningitis B vaccine (Bexsero) is given routinely to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old. However, the NHS programme does not cover older children, teenagers or adults.

A private meningitis B vaccine is recommended for:

• Children over 2 who missed their NHS vaccinations
• Teenagers and young adults heading to university or college
• Adults who want protection against meningococcal group B bacteria
• Parents who want to protect children not covered by the NHS schedule
• Anyone living in an area where a meningitis B outbreak has been reported
• Travellers visiting regions with higher rates of meningococcal disease

At Allied Pharmacies, we offer the Bexsero vaccine privately to patients of all eligible ages without the need for a GP referral.

Meningitis B Vaccination Schedule

The number of doses required depends on the age of the patient:

• Babies (NHS routine schedule) — 3 doses given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old
• Children aged 2 to 10 — 2 doses, given at least 2 months apart
• Adolescents and adults aged 11 and over — 2 doses, given at least 1 month apart

Your pharmacist will advise on the recommended schedule during your consultation. It is important to complete the full course for the best level of protection.

Symptoms of Meningitis

The NHS advises that meningitis symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Symptoms may include:

• A high temperature (fever), sometimes with cold hands and feet
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness and difficulty looking at bright lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking up
• Seizures (fits)
• A blotchy rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it (the glass test)

In babies, signs may also include a bulging soft spot on the head, a high-pitched cry, refusing to feed and being floppy or unresponsive.

Symptoms can appear in any order and you may not get all of them. If you suspect meningitis, the NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E immediately. Do not wait for a rash to develop.

Meningitis B Vaccine Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the meningitis B vaccine may cause mild side effects. According to the NHS, common side effects include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• A mild high temperature
• Irritability or feeling generally unwell
• Tiredness or loss of appetite

These side effects are usually mild and settle within 1 to 2 days. For babies, the NHS recommends giving infant paracetamol (Calpol) after the vaccination to help manage any fever. Your pharmacist will provide full aftercare advice at your appointment.

Serious side effects are very rare. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or a widespread rash, seek medical attention immediately.

How the Meningitis B Vaccination Service Works

Getting vaccinated at Allied Pharmacies is quick, convenient and does not require a GP referral.

• Book your appointment — use our online booking system or call your nearest Allied Pharmacy to arrange a convenient time
• Consultation — your pharmacist will review your medical history, check for any contraindications and discuss the vaccination with you
• Vaccination — the Bexsero vaccine is given as a simple injection in the upper arm (or thigh for young children). The process takes just a few minutes
• Aftercare — you will be asked to wait for a short observation period after your vaccination. Your pharmacist will advise on managing any side effects and schedule your follow-up dose if required

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies for Your Meningitis B Vaccine?

Allied Pharmacies makes it easy to access private meningitis B vaccination across the UK.

• No GP referral required — book directly with your local pharmacy
• Trained and experienced pharmacist vaccinators
• Convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends at selected locations
• Walk-in availability at participating pharmacies
• Full consultation and aftercare advice included
• Suitable for children (from eligible age), teenagers and adults

Related Vaccination Services

Allied Pharmacies offers a wide range of vaccination and travel health services. If you are considering the meningitis B vaccine, you may also want to explore:

• Meningitis ACWY Vaccine — protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, recommended for teenagers, university students and certain travellers
• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) — essential childhood vaccine also available for adults who missed their doses
• Hepatitis A Vaccine — recommended for travellers visiting countries with poor sanitation
• Hepatitis B Vaccine — important for healthcare workers and travellers to certain regions
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine — a booster vaccine recommended before travelling to many destinations

Visit our full list of pharmacy services to see everything we offer at your nearest Allied Pharmacy.

Find a Meningitis B Vaccine Near You

Allied Pharmacies has locations across the UK offering private meningitis B vaccination. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy, check availability and book your appointment today.

Protecting yourself and your family against meningitis B has never been easier. Whether you are a parent looking to vaccinate your child, a student heading to university or an adult who wants peace of mind, our pharmacists are here to help.

For further information about meningitis and the MenB vaccine, visit the NHS meningitis B vaccine page.