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GPhC Registered | NHS Approved | 4.9⭐ Google Rating | Same Day Appointments | Distance Selling Pharmacy
Private 2 or 3-dose course No referral needed Not routinely funded for most adults
Private · Sunderland

Meningitis B vaccine.

Meningitis B is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, but the NHS routine schedule only covers babies. If you are not eligible for the NHS infant programme or a current catch-up scheme, and you still want protection, whether heading to university, or simply wanting broader peace of mind, we offer the private course. GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.

GPhC Registered 9012617 £128 per dose For those outside NHS eligibility Pharmacist-led consultation
Book meningitis B vaccine About the vaccine
About meningitis B

Why most adults aren’t routinely offered this on the NHS.

Meningococcal group B bacteria cause the majority of meningococcal disease cases in the UK, including meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia, a serious blood infection. The illness can progress quickly and can leave lasting effects, so prevention matters.

The NHS routine schedule offers this vaccine to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months. From time to time, the NHS also runs short, targeted catch-up programmes, for example covering specific school years or new university starters, in response to periods of higher case numbers. Outside of these routine and time-limited groups, teenagers and adults are not covered, including returning students, postgraduates, and anyone who simply missed the infant schedule. Private vaccination is the only route to protection for most people in this position.

We offer two different meningitis B vaccine options, suited to slightly different ages and timeframes. Your pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate one for you at your consultation, based on your age, any previous vaccination history, and how much time you have before you need protection in place.

Check whether you’re covered by a current NHS scheme first. If you fall within an active NHS catch-up programme’s eligibility criteria, you may be able to get this vaccine free through the NHS. Our private service is for anyone outside that eligibility who still wants protection.
The vaccine is well established. It has been part of the routine NHS infant schedule since 2015, with a strong safety record.
Who typically chooses this

Is the private meningitis B vaccine right for you?

University students outside NHS eligibility

Including returning or postgraduate students not covered by a current NHS catch-up scheme aimed at new first-year entrants.

Anyone who missed the infant NHS schedule

The vaccine given in infancy does not carry forward protection into the teenage or adult years, so those born before the 2015 introduction were never covered.

Parents wanting to protect a teenager

For example before starting sixth form, college, or boarding, outside of any current NHS scheme.

Household or close contacts of a confirmed case

The NHS may offer preventive antibiotics to close contacts, but does not routinely offer free vaccination outside eligible groups. Private vaccination can be a sensible addition, alongside any advice from your GP or health protection team.

Anyone wanting broader personal protection

Adults of any age who want protection against this strain, outside of a specific NHS eligible group.

Vaccine prices

Full pricing available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.

Dosing schedule

How the private course works.

Two vaccine options available

One option is suitable from age 2 and is generally given as 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart, a good fit for most people, including students needing protection ahead of a term start date. A second option, suitable from age 10, follows a different schedule. Your pharmacist will confirm which is right for you.

Standard or accelerated timing

For the age 10 and over option, a standard 2-dose schedule is given 6 months apart. Where broader early protection is wanted, or there isn’t 6 months available, a 3-dose schedule can be used instead, given at 0, 1 to 2 months, and 6 months.

Full protection develops shortly after your final dose

It takes a short time after your final dose for the body to build a good level of immunity, so booking early, ahead of a term start date or planned exposure, is worthwhile.

Protection over the following years

Current evidence suggests protection lasts at least several years after the course, though this varies between individuals, and by which vaccine option is used, and is an area of ongoing research.

Book online

Book your meningitis B vaccine.

Same-day and same-week appointments often available. Book both doses together where possible, particularly if working towards a term start date.

Opening hours

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm  ·  Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)

Call us

0191 503 4053

113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered

Book — Meningitis B Vaccination

Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG

GPhC
Transparent pricing

Meningitis B vaccine prices.

Price per dose. The full course is 2 doses. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.

Vaccine Course Price per dose
Meningitis B – schedule varies by vaccine option used2 or 3 doses£128.00
Total course cost is £256.00 for a 2-dose schedule, or £384.00 for a 3-dose schedule. Your pharmacist will confirm which schedule applies to you before booking. Your consultation is free, there is no separate charge for the pharmacist consultation, only the vaccine itself.
FAQs

Meningitis B vaccine FAQs.

Why isn’t this vaccine free for most adults on the NHS?
The NHS routine schedule offers this vaccine to babies, when the risk of meningitis B disease is highest. From time to time, the NHS also runs short, targeted catch-up programmes for specific groups in response to periods of higher case numbers. Outside these groups, teenagers and adults are not routinely covered, which is why private vaccination is the main option for most people in this position.
How do I know if I’m eligible for a free NHS dose instead?
NHS eligibility depends on age, specific dates of birth, and whether you fall within any current time-limited catch-up programme, for example one aimed at new university entrants. If you are unsure, checking with your GP practice or the NHS website first is worthwhile, our private service is intended for anyone outside that eligibility.
How many doses do I need?
This depends on which of our two vaccine options is most suitable for you. One option, suitable from age 2, is generally given as 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. A second option, suitable from age 10, is usually given as 2 doses 6 months apart, or as a 3-dose schedule over 6 months where broader early protection is wanted. Your pharmacist will confirm which applies to you.
How long does protection last?
Current evidence suggests protection lasts at least several years following the course, though this varies between individuals and by which vaccine option and schedule is used. Research into long-term protection is ongoing.
Does this vaccine also protect against meningitis ACWY?
No. Meningitis B and meningitis ACWY are caused by different strains of meningococcal bacteria, and each requires its own separate vaccine. If you need both, for example for university plus travel to a meningitis ACWY risk destination, your pharmacist can advise on having both.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and settle quickly, such as soreness or redness at the injection site, a mild, short-lived fever, or feeling tired. Your pharmacist will discuss any individual risks with you before vaccination.
Is this the same vaccine given to babies on the NHS?
Yes, it protects against the same meningococcal group B bacteria. The number of doses and timing differ for older children and adults compared with the infant schedule, which your pharmacist will confirm at your consultation.
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