If you’ve been told about the Meningitis B vaccine, you may be wondering what it actually protects against, who needs it and whether you or your child can have it. Also known as the MenB vaccine, it protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. It’s given free on the NHS to babies as part of the routine immunisation schedule and, from summer 2026, to eligible school leavers and university starters.
In this blog, we will look at what the vaccine protects against, who’s eligible, its side effects, and how to book yours at Periville Pharmacy.
What Does the Meningitis B Vaccine Protect Against?
The Meningitis B vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, responsible for most MenB meningitis and septicaemia cases in the UK. The NHS uses Bexsero, part of the routine baby immunisation programme, since 2015, which has cut MenB disease in vaccinated infants by around 75 per cent, according to UKHSA guidance.
One point that often causes confusion is that MenB and MenACWY are different vaccines. MenB protects against group B, while MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y. Having one doesn’t mean you’ve had the other.
Meningitis B Symptoms to Watch For
Meningitis B can be difficult to spot at first because the symptoms may look like flu. The important difference is how quickly things can change. Someone who seems reasonably well can become seriously ill within hours. Watch for:
- A high temperature
- Severe headache and stiff neck
- Vomiting or refusing feeds in babies
- Cold hands and feet
- Discomfort in bright light
- Drowsiness, confusion or irritability
- A rash that doesn’t fade under pressure
Seek urgent medical help or call 999 straight away if these appear. Don’t wait for a rash to develop, as it can be a late sign or may not appear at all.
Who Is Eligible for the Meningitis B Vaccine?
Who can get the MenB vaccine depends on their age and circumstances. Babies are routinely offered it on the NHS, while a new programme in 2026 has extended NHS eligibility to certain older teenagers and students.
Babies and Young Children
Babies are offered three NHS doses at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year old. Missed doses can still be caught up to age 2 through your GP surgery, NHS.UK confirms.
Young People and Students
From summer 2026, the free NHS MenB vaccine also covers anyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, plus under-25s starting university or further education accommodation for the first time. Two doses are needed, at least four weeks apart, and eligible young people can book online via NHS.UK. Anyone outside these groups can still choose a private Meningitis B vaccination.
Meningitis B Vaccine Side Effects
Most Meningitis B vaccine side effects are mild and settle within a day or two. These include soreness or swelling at the injection site, a mild fever, tiredness, headache or muscle ache, and, in babies, irritability or poor feeding. Infant paracetamol after the first two baby doses helps reduce fever. Serious allergic reactions are rare, and the vaccinator will be trained to manage them immediately.
Book Your Meningitis B Vaccination at Periville Pharmacy
If you’re considering the meningitis B vaccine in Great Coates and the meningitis B vaccine in Laceby and aren’t sure whether you’re eligible, our team at Periville Pharmacy can talk you through your options. We serve patients across Grimsby, Laceby, Keelby, Great Coates and Healing from our two local branches in Grimsby, with pharmacists able to check eligibility and explain what to expect from each dose. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards protecting yourself or your family.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. The Meningitis B vaccine is offered following an eligibility check or consultation. If you or your child shows signs of meningitis, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Meningitis B vaccine protect against?
The Meningitis B vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a leading cause of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK. It doesn’t protect against every cause of meningitis, so it’s still important to know the symptoms.
Who is eligible for the free NHS Meningitis B vaccine?
Babies get it routinely at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year old. From summer 2026, anyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, or under 25 and starting university or further education accommodation for the first time, is also eligible.
How many doses of the MenB vaccine are needed?
Babies need three doses. Older eligible groups need two doses, given at least four weeks apart, with full protection building around two weeks after the second dose.
What are the side effects of the Meningitis B vaccine?
Most side effects are mild, including soreness at the injection site, a mild fever, tiredness or headache, usually settling within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.
Can I get the Meningitis B vaccine privately if I’m not eligible on the NHS?
Yes. Periville Pharmacy offers a private Meningitis B vaccination for anyone who falls outside current NHS eligibility criteria.
What’s the difference between the MenB and MenACWY vaccines?
MenB protects against meningococcal group B bacteria. MenACWY, given in schools, protects against four different strains, groups A, C, W and Y. Neither vaccine replaces the other.