Meningitis Vaccine

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or, less commonly, fungi. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form and can be fatal within hours if not treated. The most significant bacterial cause in the UK is Neisseria meningitidis, which is responsible for meningococcal disease. Viral meningitis is less severe and usually resolves without specific treatment, though it still causes significant illness.

This depends on your risk profile. For UK-based adults whose main concern is domestic meningococcal disease, MenB is the more relevant vaccine, as group B causes the majority of UK cases in those beyond infancy. For travellers to the meningitis belt in Africa or to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, MenACWY is specifically required or strongly recommended. Many adults choose to have both. Your clinician will advise based on your age, vaccination history and risk.

University students, particularly those starting their first year in halls of residence, are at elevated risk of meningococcal disease compared with the general population. The NHS MenACWY booster is offered at around age fourteen through the school programme. Students who received this dose have MenACWY coverage. However, MenB is not routinely offered by the NHS to this age group, and students who did not receive the school-age MenACWY booster should consider catching up before starting university. Your clinician can review your vaccination record and advise on what is appropriate.

For adults receiving MenB (Bexsero) for the first time, the course consists of two doses given at least one month apart. There is currently no recommendation for routine boosters in healthy adults who have completed the two-dose course. Your clinician will confirm the schedule at your pre-vaccination appointment.

Both vaccines typically cause mild side effects that resolve within one to two days. Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site is the most common reaction for both. A low-grade fever, headache and mild fatigue are also reported. MenB (Bexsero) has a higher rate of short-term fever than MenACWY, particularly in younger patients. Serious reactions are rare. Your clinician will advise on what to expect before administering the vaccine.

Symptoms typically develop rapidly and include severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and sound, high fever, vomiting and confusion. In meningococcal septicaemia, a non-blanching rash (petechial or purpuric) may appear, which does not fade when pressed with a glass. This rash is a medical emergency. Anyone with suspected meningitis or meningococcal disease should call 999 immediately. Vaccination reduces the risk but does not prevent all cases.

MenACWY and MenB are vaccines that protect against different groups of the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium. MenACWY covers groups A, C, W and Y in a single injection. MenB covers meningococcal group B strains, which cause the highest number of cases in the UK among older children and adults. The two vaccines do not overlap: neither provides any protection against the strains covered by the other. They can be given at the same appointment, in separate arms.

MenB (Bexsero) is provided on the NHS as part of the infant vaccination programme at eight and sixteen weeks, with a booster at one year. It is also available to certain at-risk groups, including those with asplenia, complement deficiencies or cochlear implants. For healthy adults, older children and teenagers outside the infant programme, MenB is not routinely available on the NHS. Private vaccination is the standard route.

Yes. Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to provide proof of MenACWY vaccination. The certificate must be issued no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. A single dose of MenACWY vaccine is required, and the certificate is issued at your appointment with us. This requirement applies to travellers of all ages, including children over two years old.

For MenACWY, protection is considered long-lasting after a single dose for healthy adults. Those in specific at-risk groups, such as individuals with asplenia, may be advised to have a booster every five years. For Hajj and Umrah travel purposes, the certificate is valid for three years. For MenB, the duration of protection in adults is still being established, but studies suggest meaningful immunity persists after the two-dose course.

Yes. Both vaccines can be given on the same day, administered into separate arms. There is no clinical reason to separate them for most healthy adults. Your clinician will confirm at the pre-vaccination consultation.

No vaccine protects against all causes of meningitis. MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. MenB protects against approximately 80 to 85 per cent of group B strains circulating in the UK. Neither vaccine provides protection against viral meningitis, pneumococcal meningitis or other bacterial causes. Broad protection requires appropriate vaccination alongside awareness of symptoms.