MenB Vaccination
Protect yourself or your family against meningococcal group B disease with a MenB vaccination at Procters Pharmacy. Free NHS MenB vaccinations are currently available for eligible young people, while private MenB vaccinations are also available for patients who fall outside the NHS programme.
MenB vaccinations at Procters Pharmacy
Meningococcal group B, usually called MenB, is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia.
Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can develop very quickly and can be life-threatening.
At Procters Pharmacy, we offer access to MenB vaccination through:
- Free NHS MenB vaccinations for people who meet the current NHS eligibility criteria
- Private MenB vaccinations for people who are not eligible for the NHS programme but would still like protection
Our trained pharmacy team will check your vaccination history, eligibility and clinical suitability before vaccination.
What is meningitis B?
Meningitis B is caused by meningococcal group B bacteria.
The bacteria can cause meningitis, an infection of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord, or enter the bloodstream and cause septicaemia and sepsis.
Meningococcal disease can affect anyone, but babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are among the age groups at greater risk.
The infection can progress rapidly, which is why vaccination and awareness of the symptoms are both important.
Why should I consider a MenB vaccination?
The MenB vaccine helps protect against strains of meningococcal group B bacteria that can cause invasive meningococcal disease.
Vaccination can help:
- Reduce the risk of developing MenB disease
- Protect against a serious cause of bacterial meningitis
- Reduce the risk of meningococcal septicaemia
- Provide additional protection for teenagers and young adults
- Offer protection to people who are not covered by the routine NHS MenB vaccination programme
No vaccine provides complete protection against every strain or every cause of meningitis, so it is still important to recognise the symptoms and seek urgent medical attention when necessary.
NHS MenB vaccinations
For 2026/27, the NHS is offering a time-limited MenB vaccination programme to certain teenagers and young adults in England.
You may currently be eligible for a free NHS MenB vaccination if:
- You were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- You were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026
- You were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting at an eligible further education college for the first time in autumn 2026 as a residential student
This includes eligible international students and students coming to England from other parts of the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
If you are qualifying through university or further education, you may be asked to provide evidence of your place.
The NHS programme consists of two doses, given at least four weeks apart.
First doses under the current programme are available until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
Speak to our team if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Private MenB vaccinations
If you are not eligible for a free NHS MenB vaccination, you may still be able to have the vaccine privately at Procters Pharmacy.
Private MenB vaccination may be suitable for:
- Children and young people outside the routine NHS programme
- Teenagers who have not previously received MenB vaccination
- Students who do not meet the current NHS eligibility criteria
- Adults who would like additional protection against MenB
- People seeking vaccination for personal, occupational or other reasons
The appropriate vaccination course depends on your age, previous vaccination history and individual circumstances.
Our pharmacy team will assess your suitability and explain how many doses you require, the interval between doses and the cost before starting the course.
MenB vaccination for babies and children
MenB vaccination forms part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme.
Babies are currently offered the MenB vaccine at:
- 8 weeks
- 12 weeks
- 1 year
These vaccinations are normally arranged through your child's GP surgery as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme.
If your child has missed one of their routine MenB vaccinations, contact their GP surgery first. Children who have missed routine doses may still be able to receive them through the NHS depending on their age.
For older children who fall outside the routine NHS programme, private MenB vaccination may be available through Procters Pharmacy subject to age and clinical suitability.
MenB vaccination for teenagers and young adults
Teenagers and young adults are another important group when considering protection against meningococcal disease.
Living, studying and socialising closely with other people, particularly when starting university or moving into student accommodation, can increase opportunities for meningococcal bacteria to spread.
The current NHS MenB programme has therefore been introduced for specific young people entering higher and residential further education, as well as the eligible Year 13 age cohort.
If you do not meet the NHS criteria, ask our pharmacy team about private MenB vaccination.
MenB and MenACWY: what is the difference?
MenB and MenACWY vaccinations protect against different groups of meningococcal bacteria.
The MenB vaccine provides protection against meningococcal group B.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y and is routinely offered to teenagers through the NHS.
Having a MenACWY vaccination does not mean you are protected against MenB, and having a MenB vaccination does not replace MenACWY vaccination.
If you are unsure which meningitis vaccinations you have received, check your vaccination record or speak to your GP or pharmacy team.
How to get your MenB vaccination at Procters Pharmacy
Visit or contact your local Procters Pharmacy
Speak to the team at your nearest Procters Pharmacy in Heathfield or Polegate.
We can explain the current NHS eligibility criteria or advise you about our private MenB vaccination service.
Clinical assessment
Before vaccination, a trained member of our pharmacy team will ask about your health, allergies, medicines and previous vaccinations.
If you are using the NHS service, we will also confirm that you meet the current eligibility criteria.
For private vaccination, we will explain the recommended vaccination schedule and applicable charges.
Vaccination and follow-up
If the vaccine is suitable for you, it will normally be given by injection into the upper arm. Younger children may receive the vaccine in the thigh depending on their age.
Most people need more than one dose to complete their MenB vaccination course.
For the current NHS young people's programme, two doses are required at least four weeks apart.
For private vaccination, the number and timing of doses will depend on your age, vaccination history and the vaccine being used. Our pharmacy team will advise you when your next dose is due.
Are there any side effects?
As with other vaccinations, the MenB vaccine can cause temporary side effects.
Common effects can include:
- Pain, tenderness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Headache
- Aching muscles or joints
- Feeling tired or generally unwell
- Feeling sick
- A raised temperature, particularly in younger children
These effects are normally temporary.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and our trained pharmacy team will assess your suitability before vaccination.
Recognising the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis
Vaccination provides important protection, but the MenB vaccine does not protect against every strain of MenB or every other cause of meningitis and sepsis.
It is therefore important to know the warning signs.
Symptoms of meningitis or meningococcal disease can include:
- A high temperature
- A severe or worsening headache
- A stiff neck
- Discomfort when looking at bright lights
- Vomiting
- Very cold hands and feet
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Being difficult to wake
- Seizures
- Pale, blotchy or unusually coloured skin
- A rash that does not fade when pressed firmly with a glass
Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone develops a rash.
Meningitis and sepsis can become serious very quickly. If you think you or someone else may have meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
Frequently asked questions
What does the MenB vaccine protect against?
The vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia.
It does not protect against every possible cause of meningitis.
Is MenB the same as the MenACWY vaccine?
No. They protect against different groups of meningococcal bacteria.
MenB protects against group B, while MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y.
You may therefore be advised to have both vaccines at different stages of life.
Can I get a free MenB vaccination on the NHS?
Some people can.
The current 2026/27 NHS programme provides free MenB vaccination to defined groups of teenagers and young adults, including the eligible Year 13 cohort and certain people starting university or residential further education for the first time.
Our pharmacy team can help you check whether you meet the current criteria.
What if I am not eligible for the NHS MenB vaccination?
You may still be able to have a private MenB vaccination at Procters Pharmacy.
Private vaccination is subject to age, clinical suitability and vaccine availability.
How many MenB vaccinations do I need?
This depends on your age, previous vaccinations and the vaccination programme you are using.
The current NHS programme for eligible young people consists of two doses at least four weeks apart.
Private vaccination schedules can vary, so our pharmacy team will confirm the appropriate course before vaccination.
I've already had MenACWY. Do I still need MenB?
MenACWY and MenB protect against different types of meningococcal bacteria.
Having received MenACWY does not provide protection against meningococcal group B.
Whether you should also have MenB depends on your age, vaccination history, NHS eligibility and individual circumstances.
I had MenB vaccinations as a baby. Do I need them again?
Not necessarily.
Whether another MenB vaccination is appropriate depends on when you were vaccinated, the course you received and your current circumstances.
Tell our pharmacy team about any previous MenB vaccinations so they can assess what, if anything, you need.
Can adults have the MenB vaccine?
MenB vaccines can be used in adults as well as children and young people.
Whether private vaccination is appropriate will depend on your age, medical history, previous vaccinations and the criteria of the service. Our pharmacy team can assess this with you.
Can the MenB vaccine cause meningitis?
No. The MenB vaccine does not contain live meningococcal bacteria and cannot cause meningococcal B disease.
You may experience temporary side effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches or a raised temperature.
Can I have the MenB vaccine if I have a cold?
A mild illness without a high temperature will not usually prevent vaccination.
If you have a high temperature or are significantly unwell, vaccination may need to be postponed until you have recovered.
Can I have a MenB vaccination if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell our pharmacy team if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
They will assess whether vaccination is appropriate for your circumstances and advise you accordingly.
Does the MenB vaccine provide complete protection?
No vaccine provides complete protection.
The MenB vaccine protects against many strains of meningococcal group B bacteria, but it does not cover every strain or other causes of meningitis.
You should therefore remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis even after vaccination.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is not normally required to enquire about a MenB vaccination at Procters Pharmacy.
For NHS vaccination, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements of the current programme. Private patients will have a clinical suitability assessment before vaccination.
Get your MenB vaccination at Procters Pharmacy
Visit your local Procters Pharmacy in Heathfield or Polegate, or contact our team to check your eligibility, private vaccination options, pricing and current vaccine availability.