Travel vaccine
Meningitis B Vaccine (MenB)
The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by group B bacteria — a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK, especially in babies, young children and teenagers. It protects against a different group from the Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine, so the two are not interchangeable.
Overview
Meningococcal group B is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia) in the UK. The MenB vaccine (such as Bexsero) is given to babies as part of the NHS childhood schedule, and is available privately for older children, students and adults who want protection against group B. It does not replace the MenACWY vaccine that is required for Hajj, Umrah and the African meningitis belt — MenB and MenACWY cover different groups of the bacteria.
Risk areas
Meningococcal B disease occurs worldwide, including throughout the UK and Europe, rather than being limited to one region. Risk is highest in babies and young children, and rises again in teenagers and university students living in close quarters such as halls of residence.
Risk for travellers
Students starting university (especially those moving into halls), young people and anyone in prolonged close-contact settings are most at risk. MenB is not usually a travel requirement, but some travellers — and anyone wanting the broadest possible meningitis protection — choose to have it alongside the MenACWY vaccine.
Signs & symptoms
- Fever, often with cold hands and feet
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- A rash that does not fade under a glass (do not wait for a rash to appear)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
Vaccine details
The MenB vaccine is usually given as a course of two or more doses, depending on age. It protects specifically against meningococcal group B and does NOT cover groups A, C, W or Y — if you need protection for Hajj, Umrah or the meningitis belt, you need the separate Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine. Our team can advise which is right for you.
Book your appointment for Meningitis B Vaccine (MenB) right now.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
They protect against different groups of the meningococcal bacteria. **Meningitis B (MenB)** covers group B — common in UK babies, children and students. **Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY)** covers groups A, C, W and Y and is the vaccine **required for Hajj and Umrah** and for the African meningitis belt. Neither replaces the other, and some people choose to have both.
No — Hajj and Umrah require the Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine, not MenB. If you're travelling for pilgrimage you need MenACWY and its certificate. MenB is optional extra protection against group B.
Babies receive it on the NHS. Privately, it's often chosen for older children, by teenagers, and by university students moving into halls of residence, where close living raises the risk. Anyone wanting the broadest meningitis protection can have it alongside MenACWY.
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