One cause is meningococcal group B bacteria (MenB), which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis).
Vaccination can help protect against meningococcal group B disease, and My Pharmacy Clinics offers MenB vaccination, subject to eligibility and clinical suitability.
What Is Meningitis B?
MenB disease is caused by meningococcal group B bacteria.
Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can progress very quickly and can cause serious complications. This is why prevention, recognising symptoms and seeking urgent medical attention when meningitis is suspected are all important.
What Is the MenB Vaccine?
The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria.
MenB vaccination has been part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme for a number of years. Babies are routinely offered MenB vaccination as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
There is also a 2026/27 NHS MenB vaccination programme for certain young people and students in England.
Who Is Being Offered MenB Vaccination in 2026?
You may be eligible for free NHS MenB vaccination if you:
- Were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, or
- Were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026, or
- Meet the criteria as a new residential student at an eligible further education college.
Eligible young people require two doses, with the second dose given at least four weeks after the first.
Under the current programme, first doses are available until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
Starting University?
Starting university often means meeting and living closely with many new people.
If you are beginning university this autumn and fall within the eligible group, it is worth checking your vaccination history and arranging your MenB vaccination as soon as possible.
Do not leave it until the last minute: two doses are required under the current young-person programme and they need to be given at least four weeks apart.
What About People Who Are Not Eligible for an NHS MenB Vaccination?
Depending on individual circumstances, private MenB vaccination may also be available through My Pharmacy Clinics, subject to clinical assessment and suitability.
Speak to our healthcare team if you would like to find out whether private MenB vaccination may be appropriate for you or a family member.
What Happens When I Receive the MenB Vaccine?
Before vaccination, our healthcare professional will check your medical history, allergies, previous vaccinations and suitability for the vaccine.
Common reactions following vaccination can include:
- Pain, redness or swelling around the injection site
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Muscle or joint aches
- Fever or generally feeling unwell
These effects are generally temporary.
Know the Signs of Meningitis
Vaccination reduces risk but does not protect against every possible cause of meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis or meningococcal disease can include a high temperature, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, sensitivity to light and sometimes a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.
Symptoms can appear in any order and a rash is not always present.
If meningitis or sepsis is suspected, seek urgent medical help immediately. Do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to appear.
Book Your MenB Vaccination appointment using the NHS Online MenB Vaccination booking service.
Whether you are preparing for university, checking your vaccination status or considering private MenB vaccination, our healthcare team can help.
Vaccination is subject to eligibility, availability and a clinical suitability assessment.
