MenB Vaccination Service

What is MenB?

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) in the UK. The illness can develop within hours and is life-threatening, and survivors can be left with lasting effects such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss.

The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) trains the immune system to fight the most common strains of these bacteria, although no vaccine protects against every possible strain. On the NHS it is normally given to babies, but a time-limited catch-up offer now extends it to additional groups and Day Lewis offers it privately to those outside that offer.

Why it matters

• There were 313 confirmed MenB cases in England in 2024–25; around 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease, with teenagers and young adults among those most affected.
• First-year university students are at roughly seven times the risk of others their age, as close contact in halls and at social events helps the bacteria spread.
• The disease can progress from first symptoms to critical illness within hours.
• Roughly 1 in 10 of those who develop the disease may die, and many survivors are left with serious long-term complications. 

Why we’re offering this now

This new vaccination offer follows a rise in MenB cases among young people in 2026. In March, an unusually large and fast-moving outbreak centred on the University of Kent and Canterbury led to two deaths and triggered an emergency vaccination and antibiotic response. 

A smaller, separate cluster of MenB was later confirmed among young people in Weymouth, Dorset, where all those affected recovered. These events, together with the higher risk faced by students living in shared accommodation, are why the NHS introduced this time-limited catch-up programme.

More information from trusted sources:

• NHS England — the Kent meningitis outbreak
• GOV.UK — about the one-off MenB vaccination programme
• UKHSA — who is eligible for the MenB vaccine
• GOV.UK — the Weymouth (Dorset) MenB cases

Symptoms of meningitis & septicaemia

Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. Don’t wait for every sign, trust your instincts and act fast. Look out for:

• High temperature: Fever, sometimes with cold hands and feet or shivering.
• Severe headache: An intense headache, often with a stiff neck.
• Dislike of bright light: Eyes becoming sensitive to light (photophobia).
• Vomiting & refusing food: Being sick; in babies, refusing feeds.
• Drowsy or confused: Difficult to wake, floppy, unresponsive or disoriented.
• Severe muscle or limb pain: Aching limbs or joints; pale, blotchy or mottled skin.
• High-pitched cry (babies): Irritability, a bulging soft spot (fontanelle), stiff or floppy body.
• Rapid breathing: Breathing faster than normal; convulsions or seizures.
• A rash that doesn’t fade: Red or purple spots or bruises that don’t fade under a glass (the glass test). A rash can be a late sign, or may never appear.

Who can be vaccinated

There are two ways to get vaccinated at Day Lewis. Check whether you fall within the time-limited NHS offer, if not, you can still be protected through our private service.

1. Time-limited NHS catch-up offer (free, if eligible)

• People in the eligible group named in the NHS offer letter: 
• young adults in the school year 13 age group (born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008)
• Young people born on or after 21st July 2001 and starting as undergraduates at university for the first time in autumn 2026
• Young people born on or after 21st July 2001 living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026

2. Private MenB vaccination (for those not eligible)

• For anyone not covered by the NHS offer who wants protection.
• Adults, teenagers and children. 
• The full course is usually two doses, your pharmacist will advise 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Frequently asked questions

What does the MenB vaccine protect against?

It protects against disease caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK. The vaccine used is Bexsero, which covers most circulating MenB strains, though no vaccine protects against every possible strain.

How many doses do I need?

The number of doses depends on your age. Teenagers and adults usually need two doses, while younger children may need more. For the NHS catch-up groups, the two doses are given at least 28 days apart. Your pharmacist will confirm exactly what you need at your appointment.

Are there side effects?

Most side effects are mild and short-lived: tenderness or redness where the injection was given, a raised temperature (especially in young children), tiredness or irritability. Serious reactions are rare.

I’m not in the NHS eligible group, can I still get it?

Yes. If you’re not covered by the time-limited NHS offer, you can have the MenB vaccine through our private service for a fee. 

Do I need a GP referral or appointment?

No. You can book directly with Day Lewis, no GP referral needed. A trained pharmacist carries out a short suitability check before vaccinating.

When does the NHS catch-up offer end?

The offer is time-limited: first doses are available until 31 December 2026, and second doses until 31 March 2027. We’d encourage you to book early so you’re fully protected before freshers’ week in the autumn, and to make sure you don’t miss out.

This service is exempt from the Blue Light Card discount.