What is Meningitis B?
Meningitis B (MenB) is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria. It can cause meningitis (infection of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), both of which can become life-threatening within hours.
Although uncommon, MenB is currently responsible for the majority of invasive meningococcal disease cases in the UK. Even with prompt treatment, the infection can result in serious complications including hearing loss, neurological injury, limb loss and, in some cases, death.
Who Should Consider Men B Vaccination?
The Men B vaccine is routinely offered to infants as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme.
Private vaccination may also be considered for:
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Children who were not eligible for the routine NHS programme
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Teenagers and young adults
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Students starting university
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Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of meningococcal disease
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Anyone seeking additional protection against Men B infection
University students are at increased risk of meningococcal disease due to close living arrangements and increased social mixing. Men B vaccination is therefore commonly considered by students who were not eligible for routine NHS Men B vaccination as infants, particularly those moving into halls of residence or shared accommodation.
The number of doses required depends on age and individual circumstances. Our clinicians can advise on the most appropriate schedule for you or your child.
Course
The number of doses required depends on age and individual circumstances. Our clinicians can advise on the most appropriate schedule for you or your child.
Common and rare side effects of the Men B Vaccination
Common Side Effects
Like all vaccines, the Men B vaccine can cause side effects, although most are mild and short-lived.
Common side effects include:
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Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
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Mild fever
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Headache
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Muscle or joint aches
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Tiredness
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Nausea
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Feeling generally unwell
In infants and young children, fever, irritability, sleepiness and reduced appetite can occur. Most side effects resolve within a few days.
Less Common Side Effects
Less commonly, some people may experience:
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Rash
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Swollen glands
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More significant fever
These reactions are usually temporary and settle without treatment.
Very Rare but Serious Side Effects
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur after any vaccine, although this is extremely rare.
Symptoms may include:
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Difficulty breathing
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Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
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A widespread rash
Vaccination is carried out in settings where this can be recognised and treated immediately.
How is Meningitis B Spread?
Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by many people. The bacteria spread through close, prolonged contact with respiratory secretions, such as:
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Coughing and sneezing
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Kissing
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Sharing drinks, bottles, cutlery or vaping devices
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Living in close-contact environments such as student accommodation
Most carriers never become ill, but occasionally the bacteria invade the bloodstream and cause serious disease.
What symptoms does Meningitis B cause?
Early symptoms can resemble flu and may include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and feeling generally unwell. Symptoms can rapidly progress to include a stiff neck, rash that does not fade under pressure, confusion, drowsiness, sensitivity to light and difficulty waking.
If meningitis or septicaemia is suspected, urgent medical attention should be sought immediately.
Can the Men B vaccine cause Meningitis?
Symptoms include rash and fever and usually occur 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In adults, it can also cause painful joints and arthritis,
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for rubella
Does the vaccine provide lifelong protection?
The Men B vaccine provides excellent protection, although immunity may decrease over time. The need for additional doses depends on age, risk factors and current recommendations.
Can I have the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please discuss this with one of our clinicians. Vaccination may be considered where the risk of meningococcal disease outweighs any potential risks.
Is the Men B vaccine part of the NHS childhood schedule?
Yes. Men B vaccination is routinely offered to infants as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme.
It is important not to confuse Men B vaccination with the Men ACWY vaccine routinely offered to teenagers through the school vaccination programme. Men ACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, whereas Men B protects against meningococcal group B. Men B is currently responsible for the majority of invasive meningococcal disease cases in the UK.
Older children, teenagers and adults who were not eligible for Men B vaccination as infants may still choose to receive the vaccine privately, particularly those entering university or living in shared accommodation.
Overall
Meningitis B is a rare but potentially devastating infection that can become life-threatening within hours. Even with prompt treatment, it can result in serious complications including hearing loss, neurological injury, limb loss and, in some cases, death.
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of Men B disease and its potentially life-changing consequences.
