Vaccinations
Private Meningitis B Vaccination
Protection against the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK, for those outside the NHS programme.
- Doses
- Two doses, at least 1 month apart
- Age
- From 2 months of age
- Popular
- Popular before university
- Booking
- Book both doses together
About this service
Meningococcal group B bacteria are the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK, and the infection can move from feeling unwell to life threatening within hours. At Berkeley Pharmacy we offer private meningitis B vaccination for older children, teenagers and young adults who missed the routine NHS infant programme, with no need for a GP referral. Because the risk rises again in teenagers and young adults, particularly those living in shared or halls accommodation, many families choose to protect their children before university.
We take the time to review your or your child’s vaccination history and talk through exactly what this vaccine covers and what it does not, including the difference from the MenACWY vaccine. We welcome families and young adults from Berkeley, Dursley, Cam, Stroud, Thornbury and across Gloucestershire, and meningitis B can often be given at the same appointment as MenACWY.
What meningitis B is and how the vaccine helps
Meningococcal group B bacteria are the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK, causing meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia, which is blood poisoning. The illness can progress from feeling unwell to life threatening within hours, and survivors can be left with hearing loss, brain injury or limb loss. Babies and young children are at highest risk, with a second smaller peak in teenagers and young adults, particularly those living in shared or halls accommodation.
The NHS offers meningitis B vaccination to babies as part of the routine schedule, so private vaccination is mainly for older children, teenagers and young adults who missed it. Older children, teenagers and adults are usually given two doses at least one month apart, and it is licensed from two months of age. This vaccine does not protect against groups A, C, W or Y, which are covered by the separate MenACWY vaccine.
Who this service is for
Suitable for
- Children and teenagers born before the routine infant programme began
- Students heading to university or college, especially into halls of residence
- Young adults living in shared accommodation
- Travellers to areas with a current meningitis B outbreak
- Families who want protection for an older child
- Anyone with a condition that increases the risk of meningococcal disease, following assessment
Not suitable for
- Babies under two months
- Previous severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or its ingredients
- Anyone currently unwell with a high temperature, who should wait until better
- People who have already completed a full course
How it works
A simple, consistent process for every service at Berkeley Pharmacy.
Get in touch
Call us or use our contact form to arrange a consultation.
Consultation
A private, face-to-face appointment with our pharmacist in our Berkeley consultation room.
Clinical assessment
We review your medical history and confirm whether the service is suitable for you.
Treatment or referral
If it is suitable we treat you the same day; if not, we explain why and advise on the best next step.
What to expect at your appointment
Your appointment begins with a consultation covering age, vaccination history and the reason for wanting the vaccine, with a clear explanation of what this vaccine covers and what it does not, including the difference from MenACWY.
- The injection into the upper arm, or the thigh in babies and toddlers
- The second appointment booked before you leave
- Advice on recognising the signs of meningitis and septicaemia
- A written record and, with your consent, a note to your GP
Aftercare and safety
Soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site are very common and can last a couple of days. Fever is common in young children, and paracetamol may be advised. It is important to complete the second dose for reliable protection.
- Learn the warning signs: a severe headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright light, cold hands and feet, drowsiness or confusion, and a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Get emergency help immediately if any of these appear, because vaccination reduces risk but does not remove it
- Call us on 01453 810316 if you have any questions between doses
Frequently asked questions
Is meningitis B vaccination available on the NHS for teenagers?
The NHS offers meningitis B vaccination to babies as part of the routine schedule, but it is not routinely offered to older children and teenagers who missed it. That is why many families choose to have it privately, particularly before university. We can advise you on whether you or your child may be eligible in any specific circumstance.
How many doses do older children and adults need?
Older children, teenagers and adults are usually given two doses at least one month apart. We book both appointments before you leave so the course fits around your schedule, and we will explain exactly when the second dose is due.
What is the difference between meningitis B and MenACWY?
The meningitis B vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK. MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y, which are covered by a separate vaccine. The two do not overlap, and many people benefit from having both, which we can often do in a single appointment.
Should my child have it before starting university?
For many families this is the main reason to have it privately. Teenagers and young adults living in shared or halls accommodation are at higher risk, and those who missed the routine infant programme will not be protected. We recommend booking in good time before the start of term so both doses can be completed.
What are the signs of meningitis and septicaemia?
Watch for a severe headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright light, cold hands and feet, drowsiness or confusion, and a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass. The illness can progress within hours, so get emergency help immediately if any of these appear. Vaccination reduces risk but does not remove it, so knowing the signs still matters.
Can it be given at the same time as MenACWY?
Yes, meningitis B can often be given at the same appointment as the MenACWY vaccine, which saves you an extra visit. We will review your vaccination history and plans and advise on the best timing for any combined appointments.
How we can supply treatment without a GP appointment
Some treatments at Berkeley Pharmacy are supplied under a Patient Group Direction, or PGD – a written instruction, signed by a doctor and a pharmacist, that legally allows our trained pharmacists to supply and administer specified medicines to people who meet defined clinical criteria, without a prescription from your GP. If you do not meet the criteria set out in the PGD we cannot supply the treatment, and we will explain why and advise you on the best next step. Our pharmacists also work as independent prescribers where that is appropriate.
Serving Berkeley and the surrounding Gloucestershire villages
Berkeley Pharmacy is on Market Place in the centre of Berkeley, with easy access from junctions 13 and 14 of the M5. We welcome patients from Berkeley, Sharpness, Newport, Berkeley Heath, Alkington, Ham, Stone and Rockhampton, and we are a short drive from Cam, Dursley, Slimbridge, Cambridge, Falfield, Charfield, Tortworth, Cromhall, Oldbury-on-Severn, Wotton-under-Edge, Thornbury, Frampton on Severn and Stonehouse. Patients also travel to us from Stroud, Nailsworth, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Tetbury and Gloucester.
Safe, regulated care from your local pharmacy team
- Berkeley Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. You can check any pharmacy or pharmacist on the GPhC register at pharmacyregulation.org.
- Every consultation is face to face and private, in our dedicated consultation room – not an online questionnaire.
- Serving the Berkeley community for over 25 years.
- This service does not replace care from your GP. With your consent we will inform your GP of any treatment provided. If you are unwell, have new or worsening symptoms, or need urgent care, contact your GP or NHS 111, and in an emergency call 999.
- If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Page last reviewed: September 2026. Next review due: September 2027.
Related services
Other services you may be interested in at Berkeley Pharmacy.
Meningitis ACWY Vaccination
Protection against four groups of meningococcal bacteria, including the certificate required for Hajj and Umrah.
Find out more VaccinationsHPV Vaccination
For anyone who missed the school programme, or who wants the protection as an adult.
Find out more VaccinationsMMR Vaccination
Catch up protection against measles, mumps and rubella for adults and children who missed a dose.
Find out moreSpeak to our pharmacy team about meningitis b vaccination
Visit us in Berkeley or get in touch to arrange a private consultation with our pharmacist.
Book a consultation Call 01453 810316
Address
14 Market Place, Berkeley, GL13 9BB
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm (closed 1–2pm)
Sat 9am–1pm
Sun Closed