Childhood vaccine
MenB Vaccine
The MenB vaccine protects babies against meningococcal group B, a major cause of meningitis and blood poisoning (sepsis). It is given at 8 and 16 weeks and 1 year.
What it protects against
It protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), both of which can be rapidly life-threatening.
Who it's for
Babies, given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and around 1 year of age. It may also be offered to some older children and adults at higher risk.
How it works
It contains proteins from the surface of the bacteria, prompting the immune system to make protective antibodies without causing the infection.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe but more likely than some vaccines to cause a fever in babies, so paracetamol is usually recommended around the time of the injections to reduce this. Soreness at the injection site is common.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
MenB Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Why is paracetamol recommended with the MenB vaccine?
The MenB vaccine is more likely to cause a fever in young babies. Giving paracetamol around the time of the injections, as advised, helps prevent or reduce this fever and keeps the baby comfortable.
Does the MenB vaccine protect against all meningitis?
No. It protects specifically against meningococcal group B. Other vaccines (such as MenACWY, Hib and pneumococcal) protect against other causes, but no vaccine covers every type, so knowing the warning signs still matters.
Related
Other childhood vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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