Meningitis B Vaccine in Hounslow

What Is Meningitis B?

Meningococcal group B disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B — the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. The infection can cause both meningitis (inflammation of the brain's protective lining) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can progress from initial symptoms to life-threatening illness within 24 hours, and around 1 in 10 people who develop bacterial meningitis die from it. Survivors can be left with serious long-term complications including hearing loss, brain damage, and limb amputation.

Bexsero, the Meningitis B vaccine, was introduced into the NHS routine childhood immunisation programme in 2015. It offers strong protection against the most common strains of MenB circulating in the UK. However, the NHS programme only covers babies — leaving older children, teenagers, and adults without publicly funded access to this important vaccine.

Do I Need the Meningitis B Vaccine?

You should consider the Meningitis B vaccine if you:

• Are a teenager or young adult who was not immunised as a baby and did not receive it through school
• Are heading to university or college, particularly if moving into halls of residence where the risk of meningococcal disease is higher
• Have a health condition that increases your risk of meningococcal disease (e.g. complement deficiency, asplenia)
• Are a parent who missed the window for their child's NHS MenB vaccination
• Simply want comprehensive protection against this serious disease

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

For students heading to university, we recommend completing the 2-dose course before the start of term. The two doses need to be at least 1 month apart, so plan ahead. Contact us to book your first appointment.

How Many Doses Do I Need?

Adults and young people aged 11 and over need 2 doses of Bexsero, given at least 1 month apart. Children under 11 follow a different schedule. Our pharmacists will confirm the appropriate course for your age and circumstances at your appointment.

Side Effects of the Meningitis B Vaccine

Bexsero commonly causes more noticeable side effects than some other vaccines, particularly in younger children. Fever is especially common in babies and toddlers after Bexsero, and paracetamol at the time of vaccination is routinely recommended. Adults and teenagers typically experience soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and possibly a mild fever in the 24–48 hours following vaccination. These side effects are temporary and manageable. Serious adverse reactions are rare.

Meningitis B Vaccine Price in Hounslow

Bexsero (Meningitis B vaccine) is available at Hounslow Travel Clinic from £120 per dose. As a 2-dose course is required, the total course cost starts from £240.

Protecting Hounslow's Families and Students

As a community pharmacy-based travel clinic, we welcome families, teenagers, and university-bound students from across Hounslow and the surrounding area. If you have questions about whether Meningitis B vaccination is right for you or your child, please get in touch — our pharmacists are happy to advise.

Related vaccines: Meningitis ACWY · All travel vaccines