The Meningitis Gap: Is Your Teenager Protected Against Meningitis B?

As parents, we make sure our children receive all of their routine childhood vaccinations. From the first immunisations as babies to the vaccines they receive at school, it's easy to assume they're fully protected against meningitis.

However, for many teenagers and young adults, there may be an important gap in that protection.

If your child was born before the MenB vaccine became part of the routine infant immunisation programme in September 2015, they are unlikely to have received protection against Meningitis B (MenB) as part of their childhood vaccinations.

What is Meningitis B?

Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B. It can lead to:

• Meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord)

• Septicaemia (blood poisoning)

Although uncommon, the illness can develop very quickly and become life-threatening within hours. Prompt medical treatment is essential.

Why are teenagers at increased risk?

While babies are at the highest risk of MenB disease, there is a second peak during the late teenage and young adult years. This is particularly true for students starting university or college, where living in halls of residence, sharing kitchens and bathrooms, and increased close social contact make it easier for meningococcal bacteria to spread. Most people who carry the bacteria never become unwell, but in a small number of people it can invade the bloodstream and cause severe illness.

The school meningitis vaccine doesn't protect against MenB

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the meningitis vaccine given at school protects against every type of meningitis.

It doesn't.

The routine school vaccination is the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It does not protect against Meningitis B, which remains one of the most common causes of bacterial meningococcal disease in the UK.

For full protection against the main meningococcal strains, eligible young people may require both the MenACWY vaccine and the MenB vaccine.

A new FREE NHS MenB vaccination programme

From 20 July 2026, the NHS is introducing a new MenB vaccination programme through participating community pharmacies.

You may be eligible for a FREE NHS MenB vaccine if you are:

• 17 or 18 years old (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), or

• Aged 24 or under and starting university or eligible residential further education for the first time this autumn.

The vaccine is given as a two-dose course, so it's recommended to book your first appointment as early as possible before the new academic year begins.

What if I'm not eligible for the NHS vaccine?

If you don't qualify for the free NHS programme but would still like protection against MenB, private vaccination is available. Many parents choose private MenB vaccination for older teenagers, younger children who missed the routine programme, or adults who would like additional protection. A pharmacist can advise whether MenB vaccination is suitable for you or your family.

How can Millers Pharmacy help?

Millers Pharmacy is proud to be offering the FREE NHS MenB vaccination programme from 20th July 2026 for eligible patients. If you're unsure whether you or your child qualifies, our team can help you check eligibility and answer any questions. If you're not eligible for the NHS programme, we also offer private MenB vaccination appointments.

Don't leave protection to chance

Many parents are surprised to discover that their teenager isn't protected against Meningitis B.

Checking vaccination status now could provide valuable protection before university, college or the next stage of life.

Appointments for the FREE NHS MenB vaccine open from 20 July 2026. Book online or speak to your local Millers Pharmacy team to find out more.

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