Services
Meningitis B Vaccination
Meningococcal group B bacteria is a serious cause of life-threatening infections, including meningitis and blood poisoning worldwide. There are 12 known groups of meningococcal bacteria, and group B (MenB) is the most common, responsible for about 90% of meningococcal infections in the UK. This bacterium can spread to people through prolonged close contact. Meningococcal infections tend to come in bursts. In the past 20 years, between 500 and 1,700 people, every year have suffered from MenB disease, with around 1 in 10 dying from the infection. Many of those who survive suffer terrible permanent disability, such as amputation, brain damage and epilepsy.
Who is at risk? Is it necessary for me/my child to get vaccinated?
Meningitis can affect all ages, but it’s more common in babies and young children. The next most vulnerable groups are teenagers and young adults due to increased social mixing at these ages (starting sixth form & university). It’s important to know the signs and symptoms listed above as meningitis and septicaemia can strike at any age.
For more information about Meningitis : https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/
Does my child need both the Men ACWY and Men B Vaccine?
All teenagers are vaccinated against the Meningitis ACWY strain (a different strain from B) at secondary school but not Meningitis B. Vaccines are the only way to prevent infectious illness from Meningococcal group B bacteria. However, the NHS does not offer the vaccines to everyone at the present moment. The Meningitis vaccine is provided to children born after 1 May 2015. Getting a private vaccination is the only option for those born prior to the date.
What are the side effects to getting the vaccine?
Vaccinations shouldn’t cause too much discomfort, although the injected area can become sore and red. Young children may develop a fever (a temperature over 37.5°C), so it’s a good idea to check their temperature regularly with a thermometer. You can give them age-appropriate paracetamol to help lower their temperature if you need to. Make sure they’re comfortable in their clothing and don’t have too much bedding over them. Headaches and joint pain are most common in older children and adults. These should disappear on their own in time, but can be eased with pain relief, such as paracetamol. The good news is that, although common, most of these side effects are mild – and not everyone gets them.
How does the service work?
The service is suitable for adults and children aged two and above. Two vaccinations will be given either a minimum of 8 weeks apart for those aged between two and 10, or a minimum of 4 weeks apart for those aged 11 and over. Any customer can have their second dose at our service if their first dose was given at another provider, as long as they were over two years of age at the time of the first dose and they meet all the eligibility criteria of our service. The injections are given in the upper arm so it’s helpful for you or your child to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up. You’ll be asked to stay behind for five minutes after each injection to make sure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the vaccination. Best of all we guarantee that alongside our patient and caring service, our prices are the best possible locally.
How much does it cost?
The Meningitis B Vaccination Service costs £105 per vaccination, and the two-dose course costs £210. We may be able to offer family discounts so please so ask.