The MenB vaccine helps protect against invasive meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal group B bacteria. In the UK, it is part of the routine childhood programme, and in 2026/27 there is also a time-limited NHS offer for defined groups of young people. People who are not eligible through the NHS may be able to discuss private MenB vaccination with a participating clinic.
MenB is not the same as MenACWY. MenB targets group B, while MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y. If you are travelling for Hajj or Umrah, MenB does not meet the meningococcal ACWY certificate requirement.
TravelJabs4U’s central vaccination price guide currently lists MenB from £140 per dose. That is a planning figure rather than a guaranteed price at every clinic: participating clinics can have different prices, inclusions, stock and appointment arrangements. Check NHS eligibility first, then confirm the selected clinic’s exact price and course before booking privately.
MenB at a glance
· Protection: meningococcal group B (MenB) disease, including meningitis and sepsis caused by covered group B strains.
· Central TravelJabs4U price guide: from £140 per dose; confirm the exact clinic price and what is included.
· Routine NHS infant schedule in 2026: MenB at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year.
· Time-limited 2026/27 NHS offer: specific school-leaver and first-time university/residential further-education groups can receive a 2-dose course.
· Private route: may be considered when NHS eligibility does not apply, subject to clinical suitability and local availability.
· Travel: MenB is not the routine meningococcal travel vaccine and does not replace MenACWY for Hajj or Umrah.
What does the MenB vaccine protect against?
MenB vaccination is designed to reduce the risk of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B. Invasive disease can include meningitis and bloodstream infection (sepsis). These illnesses can progress quickly and need urgent medical treatment.
Bexsero is the MenB vaccine used in the routine UK infant programme. It provides broad protection against many circulating group B strains, but it does not protect against every MenB strain and it does not prevent every other bacterial, viral or non-infectious cause of meningitis.
Vaccination reduces risk; it should never be used as a reason to delay urgent assessment when symptoms suggest meningitis or septicaemia.
MenB and MenACWY are different vaccines
The term “meningitis vaccine” can be misleading because different vaccines protect against different infections. MenB and MenACWY are separate vaccines and are not interchangeable.
· MenB protects against meningococcal group B.
· MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
· Receiving MenACWY does not give MenB protection, and receiving MenB does not give MenACWY protection.
· For Hajj and Umrah, the relevant meningococcal requirement is ACWY vaccination and acceptable documentation; MenB does not satisfy that requirement.
Who can get the MenB vaccine on the NHS in 2026?
NHS eligibility is not limited to one age group, and it has changed in 2026. Check the current NHS route before paying privately.
· Babies: the routine UK schedule offers MenB at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year. Children who miss routine doses should be assessed through their NHS service.
· Time-limited 2026/27 young-person offer: in England, eligible groups include people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, plus people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026 or starting certain residential further-education settings for the first time. The course is two doses at least 28 days apart.
· Medical risk groups: MenB may be recommended for people with conditions such as absent or poorly functioning spleen or certain complement disorders, including some people receiving complement-inhibitor treatment. These pathways need specialist or NHS advice.
· Other public-health programmes can use MenB for specific purposes and populations. Eligibility rules should be checked through the relevant NHS or specialist service rather than assumed from age alone.
The 2026/27 NHS MenB offer for young people
The current time-limited programme is particularly important for students and families because older guidance saying that MenB is “for infants only” is no longer accurate.
In England, the published programme uses two MenB doses at least four weeks apart. First doses are offered to the end of December 2026, with second doses available to the end of March 2027. Being a university student on its own does not prove eligibility: the birth-date and first-time study/residential criteria matter.
If you fall within the eligible groups, use the NHS route first. Also check your MenACWY record, because MenB and MenACWY protect against different meningococcal groups.
Who may consider private MenB vaccination?
Private MenB vaccination may be an option for people who are not covered by an NHS programme but want to discuss protection after a clinical assessment. It is not automatically necessary for every adult, teenager, student or traveller.
· Older teenagers or adults outside current NHS eligibility who want to discuss MenB protection.
· People with incomplete or uncertain records who need a clinician to review what they have already received.
· People whose occupational, medical or outbreak circumstances have been assessed outside the routine NHS pathway.
· Parents seeking private vaccination for a child who is outside a routine NHS catch-up route, after first checking the NHS option.
Meningitis B vaccine cost in the UK
TravelJabs4U’s central vaccination price guide currently lists Meningitis B vaccination from £140 per dose. Use this as a planning figure, not as a universal price or a guaranteed full-course total.
Prices can vary between participating clinics. The exact amount may depend on the clinic, vaccine product, number of doses, consultation arrangements and what the clinic includes in the fee.
· Confirm whether the quoted amount is per dose or for a complete course.
· Ask whether consultation and vaccine administration are included.
· Confirm which MenB vaccine is used and the interval between doses.
· Check stock and appointment availability with the selected clinic.
· Do not calculate a total course price simply by multiplying £140 unless the clinic has confirmed the required number of doses and all charges.
How many MenB doses are needed?
The dose schedule depends on age, vaccine product, previous doses and the reason for vaccination. There is no single MenB schedule that should be copied to every patient.
For the routine UK infant programme in 2026, doses are offered at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, followed by a booster at 1 year.
For the time-limited 2026/27 young-person programme in England, the course is two doses at least 28 days apart.
For Bexsero used privately in people aged 2 years and over, the current UK product information specifies a two-dose primary course with at least one month between doses. Younger children have age-specific schedules, and people in medical or occupational risk groups may need different advice or later boosters.
Your clinic should confirm the exact product and schedule before the first dose. Bring any previous vaccination record so the clinician can avoid unnecessary or incorrectly timed doses.
MenB vaccine side effects and safety
Common reactions are usually short-lived. The exact side-effect profile depends on age and the vaccine product.
· Pain, tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site.
· Fever, especially in babies when MenB is given with other routine vaccines.
· Headache, tiredness or feeling unwell.
· Muscle or joint aches in older children and adults.
When should vaccination be delayed or reviewed?
Tell the vaccinator about previous severe allergic reactions, current illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding, immune-system conditions, medicines and any previous vaccine reaction.
Bexsero should not be given to someone with a known hypersensitivity to its active substances or excipients. Vaccination is normally postponed during an acute severe febrile illness, although a minor infection such as a cold does not automatically mean vaccination must be delayed.
For babies receiving MenB alongside routine vaccines, follow the current NHS advice given by the vaccinator about fever and paracetamol. Do not use this page as a dosing instruction for a child.
Meningitis symptoms still need emergency action
Vaccination cannot prevent every cause of meningitis or septicaemia. Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include fever, severe or worsening headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, seizures, cold hands and feet, or a rash that does not fade under pressure. A rash may be absent.
If you think an adult or child may have meningitis, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait for every symptom or for a rash to appear. Follow NHS emergency advice, including calling 999 or going to A&E when meningitis is suspected.
Is MenB needed for travel, Hajj or Umrah?
MenB is not the routine meningococcal travel vaccine. UK Green Book guidance does not recommend MenB simply because someone is travelling or moving abroad.
For travel where meningococcal vaccination is advised, the relevant vaccine is often MenACWY. For Hajj and Umrah, proof of appropriate ACWY vaccination is the key meningococcal certificate requirement. A MenB vaccine record does not replace that ACWY certificate.
If your reason for booking is travel or pilgrimage, check the MenACWY service and the current Hajj/Umrah vaccination guidance before choosing a vaccine.
How to book a private MenB vaccination
Use the private route only after checking whether an NHS programme applies to you. TravelJabs4U lists participating clinics and provides booking routes, but the individual clinic is responsible for the clinical assessment and vaccine service.
· Check NHS eligibility and your existing vaccination record.
· Review the central TravelJabs4U price guide as a planning reference.
· Choose a participating clinic and confirm that it currently offers MenB vaccination.
· Ask the clinic to confirm the exact per-dose or course price, vaccine product, dose schedule and what the fee includes.
· Bring your vaccination history and relevant medical information to the appointment.
· Complete the clinic’s clinical suitability assessment before vaccination.
Private MenB vaccination access
If you are not eligible through the NHS, you can use TravelJabs4U to identify a participating clinic and discuss private MenB vaccination. The clinic must confirm clinical suitability, vaccine product, dose schedule, price, stock and appointment availability.
Find a participating travel clinic or use the vaccination booking route. A booking request does not guarantee that MenB will be recommended, available or supplied.
Conclusion
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B disease, but the correct route depends on age, NHS eligibility, previous vaccination and individual risk. In 2026, the routine infant schedule is 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year, and a separate time-limited NHS programme is available for defined groups of young people.
If you are not eligible through the NHS, private MenB vaccination may be available through participating clinics. Use the £140 central price-guide figure only for planning and confirm the selected clinic’s current price, inclusions, product and dose schedule before booking.
MenB is not MenACWY. If your reason for vaccination is Hajj, Umrah or another travel requirement, check the MenACWY route instead.
Author & Review
Written by the TravelJabs4U Editorial Team. Medically reviewed by Mohammed Shajan Ali, MPharm, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC No. 2067785).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Meningitis B vaccine privately in the UK?
TravelJabs4U’s central price guide currently lists MenB from £140 per dose. This is not a guaranteed price at every clinic or a full-course total. Confirm the selected clinic’s exact price, inclusions and number of doses before booking.
Can I get the MenB vaccine on the NHS?
Yes, if you are eligible. MenB is part of the routine infant programme, is recommended for some medical risk groups, and in 2026/27 there is a time-limited NHS offer for defined groups of young people. Check current NHS criteria before paying privately.
What is the MenB vaccine schedule for babies in 2026?
The routine UK schedule offers MenB at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year. If a child has missed doses, contact the NHS vaccination service or GP for catch-up advice rather than copying a private schedule.
Do university students need the MenB vaccine?
Some first-time university and residential further-education entrants are eligible for the time-limited 2026/27 NHS MenB programme, but not every student qualifies. Students should also check their MenACWY record because MenB and MenACWY cover different meningococcal groups.
Is MenB the same as MenACWY?
No. MenB targets meningococcal group B. MenACWY targets groups A, C, W and Y. One vaccine does not replace the other.
Does the MenB vaccine count for Hajj or Umrah?
No. The meningococcal certificate requirement for Hajj and Umrah concerns ACWY vaccination. MenB does not satisfy the MenACWY certificate requirement.
How many MenB doses do adults need?
The schedule depends on the product and clinical indication. Bexsero product information specifies a two-dose primary course at least one month apart for people aged 2 years and over, but a clinician must confirm the correct product, schedule and any booster need for the individual.
What are common MenB vaccine side effects?
Common effects can include injection-site pain or swelling, fever, headache, tiredness and muscle or joint aches. Fever is particularly common in babies when MenB is given with other routine vaccines. Follow the advice given by the vaccinator and seek urgent help for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Can adults get the MenB vaccine privately?
Private MenB vaccination may be available for adults who are outside NHS eligibility, subject to clinical suitability, vaccine product guidance and local stock. The clinician should confirm whether MenB is appropriate for the reason you are seeking vaccination.
Disclaimer
This page provides general UK information about MenB vaccination and private access. It is not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. NHS eligibility, outbreak programmes, vaccine schedules, product guidance, prices, stock and clinic services can change. Advice depends on age, previous vaccinations, medical conditions, medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding, immune status and the reason for vaccination. A booking request does not guarantee that vaccination will be recommended, in stock or supplied. If meningitis or septicaemia is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately and do not wait for a rash.
