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Meningitis B vaccination

We are offering the Meningitis B vaccine ( Bexsero) free under the NHS for those who are eligible at all 3 of our branches. First doses can be given up to 31st December 2026, although ideally as early as possible. 2nd doses can be given up to 31st March 2027.

Those eligible are as follows:​

  • Young people aged 17 or 18 who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and are registered with a GP surgery in England.

  • You can book via the following link and chose our pharmacy

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  • All undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026

  • Those born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and who will be living in further education accommodation

  • You will need to show official proof of your offer at your appointment, so please remember to bring this.

  • You can walk-in subject to availablity, or book via us directly here

Private Meningitis B vaccine

If you do not fall into these 2 categories, but would still like a Men B vaccine, we can offer this privately. This includes those who are studying for a postgrad or have already completed a year at university.

The cost is £120 per dose ( 2 dose course)

What is Meningitis?

  • Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia which can both lead to sepsis.

  • Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.

Why have the Men B vaccine?

  •  Getting 2 doses of the MenB vaccine before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.

  • The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, and it then takes a further 2 weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around 6 weeks from start to finish, which is why it's important for those who are eligible to get a first dose as early as possible - ideally well before the autumn term begins. 

  • Young people in the eligible groups will have been offered MenACWY vaccine in year 9 or year 10. This vaccine protects against other kinds of meningococcal bacteria but will not help protect against MenB disease. So, even if someone has already received the MenACWY vaccine, getting the MenB vaccine is important ​

What are the side-effects of the vaccine?

Common side effects of the MenB vaccine are usually mild and do not last long and may include a fever, some swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site, nausea, headache or muscle aches. These usually pass within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol will help manage these symptoms. More serious side effects are rare.

How well does the vaccine work?

  • The MenB vaccine covers most, but not all, strains of MenB that commonly cause disease in the UK.

  • It has been routinely used in the UK infant vaccination programme since 2015 and in a study of babies showed a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups.

  • It has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards. 

  • Protection lasts for at least 5 years. 

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