The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine protects against meningococcal group B disease, a rare but serious cause of meningitis and septicaemia. Available at Crewe Travel Clinic.
£110 per dose — 2 dose course.
Who it is for
Students, older children who missed the NHS infant programme, and adults wanting protection against group B meningococcal disease.
Number of doses
A two-dose course for older children and adults.
When to have it
Plan ahead and allow time for both doses, ideally before starting university or travelling.
How long protection lasts
Protection is longer-lasting after a completed course; your nurse can advise whether a booster is appropriate.
How it is given
By injection, usually into the upper arm.
Price
£110 per dose
The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine protects against group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia and is available privately at Crewe Travel Clinic. It is given as a two-dose course and is commonly chosen by students and older children who missed the NHS infant programme. It is different from the MenACWY vaccine needed for Hajj and Umrah.
Meningococcal group B bacteria can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Although uncommon, the illness can develop very quickly and be life-threatening, so prevention matters.
The MenB vaccine (commonly Bexsero) is offered to infants on the NHS, but older children, students and adults who want protection can have it privately. It is separate from the MenACWY vaccine, which covers different meningococcal groups and is required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Allow time for 2 doses
MenB is given as a two-dose course with an interval between doses, so plan ahead — particularly before university or travel.
Good protection against group B disease
The vaccine protects against the majority of circulating meningococcal B strains.
Several years
Protection is longer-lasting after a completed course; your nurse can advise if a booster is appropriate.
It is often considered by students heading to university (who live in close quarters), older children who missed the infant programme, and adults wanting protection against group B meningococcal disease. Your nurse will confirm the right schedule for you.
The MenB vaccine is offered to infants on the NHS, but older children, students and adults who want protection can have it privately. It is often considered by people whose lifestyle or living arrangements may increase the chance of close contact with meningococcal bacteria. Your nurse will confirm the right schedule for you at your appointment.
For older children and adults the MenB vaccine is given as a two-dose course, with an interval between the doses. Because the course takes time to complete, it is sensible to plan ahead — particularly before starting university or before travel. The vaccine is given by injection, usually into the upper arm.
The MenB vaccine protects against the majority of circulating meningococcal B strains. Protection is more durable once the two-dose course has been completed. Antibody levels can decline over time, so your nurse can advise whether a booster may be appropriate based on your age and circumstances.
Like all vaccines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most are mild and settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. If you feel unwell after vaccination or have any concerns, you can speak to our clinical team or contact NHS 111.