MenB Vaccination Information

 
Important Update: MenB Vaccination Queries 

We understand that many patients are contacting the practice following recent news reports about meningococcal infections. We appreciate that this can be worrying and we would like to clarify the current situation. 

What is MenB? 

MenB refers to infection caused by meningococcal group B bacteria. This can rarely lead to serious illness such as meningitis or septicaemia. The vaccine used in the UK is Bexsero. 

NHS Vaccination Programme 

Meningitis B Vaccination 

MenB vaccination has been part of the UK routine childhood immunisation schedule since 2015. It has been offered to children born after 1st July 2015.  

It is routinely offered to babies at: 

• 8 weeks 
• 12 weeks 
• 12 months booster 

 Children who are eligible are invited automatically by their GP practice. 

Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine 

 • The meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is routinely offered to boys and girls aged 14 to 15 years in school Year 9 as part of the UK national immunisation programme. 

• It protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W and Y, which can cause serious infections such as meningitis & septicaemia. This vaccination does not protect against meningitis B 

• Teenagers and young adults have higher rates of carrying meningococcal bacteria, so vaccinating this age group helps protect both the individual and the wider community. 

• The vaccine is usually given through the school-based vaccination programme. 

• If a young person misses the vaccine at school, it can usually still be arranged through the following link:  

https://surreychildandfamily.co.uk/services/immunisations/ 

Current Situation 

 Recent media reports about meningococcal infections do not mean that there is a new national vaccination campaign or change to the NHS schedule. 

At present: 

• The NHS programme has not changed 
• The vaccine continues to be offered routinely to infants only 
• There is no new recommendation for older children or adults to receive MenB vaccination 

Sunny Meed Surgery Position 

Due to the high volume of requests we would like to clarify: 

• We cannot provide MenB vaccination outside the NHS programme 
• We do not offer private MenB vaccinations at the practice 
 

If Your Child Is Eligible 

 If your child is due a routine MenB vaccine, you will be invited as part of the normal childhood immunisation schedule. 

If you are requesting MenB privately 

If you wish to arrange MenB vaccination privately (for older children or adults), this may be available through: 

 • Private GP clinics 
• Some travel vaccination clinics 

You can search for the above providers online.

Unfortunately, Sunny Meed Surgery cannot provide private MenB vaccinations. 

When to Seek Medical Advice 

 If a child or adult develops symptoms such as: 

• Fever 
• Severe headache 
• Neck stiffness 
• Vomiting 
• Rash that does not fade when pressed 
• Drowsiness or confusion 

Please seek urgent medical attention. 

Thank you for your understanding while we manage a large number of enquiries. This information helps ensure that our clinical capacity remains available for patients who need care. 

Sunny Meed Surgery