NHS Meningitis B Vaccine
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Meningitis B Vaccine in South London and Surrey
Protect yourself or your family against one of the most serious and fast-moving infections in the UK. Pearl Chemist Group offers Meningitis B immunisation as both an NHS and a private service at all Pearl Chemist Group branches.
What is Meningitis B?
Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection caused by meningococcal group B bacteria. It can lead to meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can quickly become life-threatening. The bacteria spread through close contact, with babies, teenagers, and students living in shared accommodation at the highest risk.
What is the Meningitis B vaccine?
The Meningitis B vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in the UK. At Pearl Chemist Group, it is available free on the NHS for those who are eligible, and privately for everyone else.
The vaccine, Bexsero, has been part of the routine NHS infant programme since 2015 and works very well against most MenB strains, with a study in babies showing a 75% reduction in cases. Protection lasts at least five years, though it does not cover every strain or other causes of meningitis, so staying alert to symptoms still matters.
Meningitis B Symptoms to Look Out For
Meningitis B symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen within hours, so recognising them early can save a life. Not everyone gets every symptom.
Symptoms in babies and young children
- A high temperature, although hands and feet may feel cold
- Refusing feeds, being sick or off their food
- Being drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- A high-pitched or unusual cry
- A bulging soft spot on the head
- A rash that does not fade under a glass
Symptoms in teenagers and adults
- A severe headache and stiff neck
- A high temperature with cold hands and feet
- Dislike of bright lights
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Rapid breathing, aching limbs, pale or blotchy skin
- A rash that does not fade under a glass
Who is Eligible for The Meningitis B Vaccine?
Meningitis B vaccine eligibility depends on your age and circumstances. Babies, some teenagers and new students can get it free on the NHS, while adults and anyone outside the NHS groups can have it privately at Pearl Chemist Group.
NHS eligibility for babies and young children
All babies in the UK are offered the Meningitis B vaccine as part of the routine childhood schedule, given as three doses alongside their other vaccinations:
- 1st dose at 8 weeks
- 2nd dose at 12 weeks
- 3rd dose (booster) at 1 year
If a dose is missed, a child can still catch up on the NHS up to the age of two.
NHS eligibility for teenagers and students
A new, time-limited NHS programme will run from 20 July 2026 for those at the highest risk. First-year university students have a risk of meningococcal disease that is around seven times higher than peers who do not go to university. In England, the following groups are eligible:
- Young people in school Year 13, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
- Undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001, attending university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- Those born on or after 21 July 2001, starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and living in halls or student accommodation.
This includes international students and those from the devolved nations attending these settings in England. If you completed a full MenB course within the past five years, you do not need it again now.
Before vaccination, one of our trained pharmacists will review your medical history, discuss your eligibility and answer any questions you may have.
Meningitis B vaccine for adults
The Meningitis B vaccine for adults is available privately at Pearl Chemist Group. This suits parents who want extra protection for an older child, students who fall outside the NHS window, travellers, and adults who simply want peace of mind. Anyone not covered by the NHS offer can book the private service at any of our branches, with no referral needed.
Two-dose schedule for teenagers, students and adults
Teenagers, students and adults need two doses, with the second given at least 28 days after the first and a further two weeks to build protection. The full course takes around six weeks, so students should get the first dose well before term. Under the NHS programme, first doses run until 31 December 2026 and second doses until 31 March 2027.
Book Your Meningitis B Vaccine at Your Nearest Branch
Whether you're eligible for a free NHS vaccine or would like a private appointment, book your Meningitis B vaccination online or visit your nearest Pearl Chemist Group branch.
Available at all 30 Pearl Chemist Group branches across South London and Surrey, including Tooting, Streatham, Merton, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Morden, Wandsworth, Banstead, Tolworth, Byfleet, Cannon Hill, Cobham, Epsom, Mitcham, Northcote Road, Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meningitis B vaccine free on the NHS?
Yes, for eligible groups. Babies get it free at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year, and from 20 July 2026, it is also free for Year 13 students and new university and further education students. Everyone else can have it privately at Pearl Chemist Group.
How many doses of the Meningitis B vaccine do I need?
Babies need three doses, while teenagers, students and adults need two. For the two-dose course, the second dose is given at least 28 days after the first, and it takes a further two weeks to build good protection.
Can adults have the Meningitis B vaccine?
Yes. The Meningitis B vaccine for adults is available privately at Pearl Chemist Group with no referral needed. It suits parents wanting extra protection for an older child, students outside the NHS window, travellers, and anyone who simply wants peace of mind.
What are the side effects of the Meningitis B vaccine?
Side effects are usually mild and pass within a day or two. They can include soreness or swelling at the injection site, a high temperature, tiredness, headache, and feeling sick. Serious reactions are very rare.
How long does protection from the Meningitis B vaccine last?
Protection lasts at least five years. If you completed a full MenB course within the past five years, you do not need it again now.
Do I need the MenB vaccine if I have already had MenACWY?
Yes. The MenACWY vaccine given in Year 9 or 10 protects against different types of meningococcal bacteria and does not cover MenB. Having both gives broader protection.
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