Meningitis B Vaccine **Update 18/3/2026: no MenB vaccine availability**

Meningitis is a disease which causes the layer covering the brain and spinal cord to become infected and swollen. It can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) which is a very dangerous illness.

‘The most effective way to prevent meningitis is to vaccinate’

Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral and fungal organisms. Six different kinds of bacterial meningitis: A, B, C, W, X, and Y collectively cause the most disease. Meningitis C was the most common until routine vaccinating of children, with the Men C vaccine, reduced cases to just a handful each year. Currently, there are approximately 1700 cases of Meningitis B each year in the UK, making it the most common type of meningococcal disease.

It is estimated that about 3,200 people get bacterial meningitis and associated Meningitis B Vaccine septicaemia in the UK each year. People of any age can develop the disease, but infants and teenagers are particularly susceptible.

The single most effective way to prevent meningitis is to vaccinate. The Meningitis B vaccine was licensed for use in Europe in January 2013. In 2014 the UK Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended the vaccine for routine use and vaccination of babies in the NHS. This commenced in September 2015. However, the NHS is currently only vaccinating babies. The Meningitis B vaccine is available privately though, for those who wish to vaccinate their children.

Once your child has had all their MenB doses they have strong protection for at least the next couple of years which is when young children are at the highest risk. Over time, like many vaccines, the protection slowly wears off, which is why in some cases a booster dose is given eg. students entering halls, travellers to endemic countries or those wanting a higher level of protection.

No Vaccine offers 100% protection, so even if a child has been vaccinated, you should still know all the signs of meningitis and sepsis and seek urgent help if you are worried.

If you wish to discuss vaccinations please call Ashtead Hospital: 01372 221 400

Please note we only see patients 18 years old and over at Ashtead Hospital.