Meningitis B

When to book the meningitis B vaccine

The NHS gives MenB free to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year, but does not routinely 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 protecting children outside the NHS schedule
• Anyone living where a meningitis B outbreak has been reported
• Travellers to regions with higher rates of meningococcal disease

Highest risk sits with children under 5, teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 19, first-year university students in halls, people with weakened immune systems or a missing or non-functioning spleen, and laboratory workers handling meningococcal bacteria.

Symptoms of meningitis

• A high temperature, sometimes with cold hands and feet
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness and difficulty looking at bright lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking
• Seizures
• A blotchy rash that does not fade under a pressed glass

In babies, also look for a bulging soft spot, a high-pitched cry, refusing feeds and being floppy or unresponsive. Symptoms can appear in any order and you may not get them all. If you suspect meningitis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not wait for a rash.

What is meningitis B?

Meningitis B is caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria and is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. It can cause meningitis, infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia, which can lead to sepsis. Both develop within hours and can cause hearing loss, brain damage, limb loss or death without urgent treatment. The bacteria spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing or kissing, and many people carry them without becoming unwell.

Vaccination schedule

• Babies (NHS routine) - 3 doses at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year
• Children aged 2 to 10 - 2 doses at least 2 months apart
• Age 11 and over - 2 doses at least 1 month apart

Completing the full course gives the best protection.

Side effects

Common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild high temperature, irritability, tiredness or loss of appetite, usually settling within 1 to 2 days. For babies, the NHS recommends infant paracetamol after vaccination to manage fever. Serious side effects are very rare, but seek medical attention immediately for difficulty breathing, facial swelling or a widespread rash.

Find the meningitis B vaccine near you

No GP referral required. Bexsero given by trained pharmacist vaccinators in the upper arm, or thigh for young children, with a short observation period and follow-up doses scheduled. Walk-in availability at participating branches and appointments including evenings and weekends at selected locations. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.