Travel vaccine

Meningitis B Vaccine (MenB)

Meningococcal group B is a leading cause of meningitis and blood poisoning in the UK, especially in babies, young children and teenagers. The MenB vaccine protects against group B bacteria, which are not covered by the MenACWY vaccine.

Book this vaccine From £110 per dose

Key facts

Who it's for

Infants and young children, students, and others wanting protection alongside MenACWY

Vaccination course

2 or more doses depending on age (infants follow the routine UK schedule)

Minimum age

From 2 months

Covers

Meningococcal group B (not covered by MenACWY)

Spacing

Older children and adults: usually 2 doses at least 1 month apart

How it spreads

Close contact and respiratory droplets

Overview

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing and kissing. Group B is the most common cause in the UK and can lead to meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can develop within hours and become life-threatening, so prompt recognition and treatment are vital.

The MenB vaccine protects specifically against group B, which the MenACWY vaccine does not cover. It is part of the routine UK childhood programme and can also be given to older children and adults who are at increased risk or who want the broadest protection alongside MenACWY.

Risk areas

Meningococcal group B occurs worldwide, including in the UK. Unlike groups A, C, W and Y, group B is not concentrated in the African 'meningitis belt', so MenB is less of a destination-specific travel vaccine and more about protecting individuals at higher risk — particularly young children and those living in close-contact settings such as university halls.

Risk for travellers

Risk is highest for babies and young children, and for teenagers and students starting university and living in halls of residence. Some travellers choose MenB for the broadest meningococcal protection alongside MenACWY, especially for longer stays or close-contact group travel. We'll help you decide whether MenB is worthwhile for your circumstances.

Signs & symptoms

Sudden high fever
Severe headache and stiff neck
Dislike of bright light
A rash that doesn't fade when pressed (a sign of blood poisoning)
Cold hands and feet, or pale, blotchy skin
Drowsiness, confusion, or being difficult to wake

Vaccine details

The MenB vaccine is given as a course of injections. Babies follow the routine UK schedule, while older children and adults usually have two doses at least a month apart. It protects against group B meningococcal bacteria, complementing the MenACWY vaccine, which covers groups A, C, W and Y. We'll confirm the right schedule for your age at your appointment.

Book your appointment for Meningitis B Vaccine (MenB) right now.

Book vaccine @ £110 per dose

Who should have the MenB vaccine?

MenB is worth considering for those at higher risk of group B disease or wanting the most complete meningococcal protection:

Babies and young children (it's part of the routine UK childhood schedule)
Teenagers and new university students living in close quarters
Travellers who want broad protection alongside MenACWY, especially for longer or group travel
People with certain medical conditions that increase their risk — we'll advise individually

The vaccination course

The number of doses depends on age. Infants follow the routine UK schedule; older children and adults usually have two doses given at least a month apart.

MenB is a separate vaccine from MenACWY — depending on your circumstances you may be advised to have both. We'll confirm what's right for you at your appointment.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild, though fever is fairly common in babies after MenB:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
A raised temperature (common in infants — paracetamol may be advised)
Irritability in babies, or headache and tiredness in older children and adults
Serious reactions are very rare

Know the signs and act fast

Meningococcal disease can progress within hours, so recognising the warning signs is important even after vaccination:

Seek urgent medical help for a high fever with severe headache and a stiff neck
A rash that does not fade under gentle pressure is a medical emergency
In babies, watch for a high-pitched cry, a bulging soft spot, floppiness or poor feeding
Don't wait for every symptom — get help early

FAQ