What is Meningitis B?

Meningitis B is a bacterial infection that most often affects children under 1. Whilst the infection is treatable, it can be fatal in about 1 in 10 cases.
The B strain of meningococcal meningitis currently accounts for the majority of cases of meningitis in the UK, and the majority of deaths.
Meningitis B is a bacterial infection caused by Neiseria meningitidis. Meningitis B is a disease that causes inflammation to the covering of the brain and spinal cord, making it infected and swollen. It can also lead to blood poisoning (septicaemia). Meningitis B can progress quickly and can kill within 24 hours. Meningitis B kills more children under the age of 5 years old than any other infectious disease. Even with treatment, 20 percent of survivors can be left with long-term disabilities or brain damage.

Symptoms of Meningitis B include:

Fever, Vomiting, Headache, Stiff neck, Sensitivity to light, Confusion, Pinprick rash.
It is spread from person to person via droplets, such as sneezes and coughs.

Who is at risk?

People of any age group can be infected with Meningitis B, but the two groups that have a higher risk are infants and teenagers.
What Does the Meningitis B Vaccine Do?
Meningitis B vaccine protects against the majority of Meningitis B disease strains in the UK.
Meningitis B vaccine represents a major technological breakthrough: for many years, it seemed that a vaccine against B strains of meningitis would be too difficult to produce.

Possible Side Effects of the Meningitis B Vaccine

In infants and children, the most common reaction has been a fever and some swelling around the injection site. Infant paracetamol is sometimes recommended for small children. Our team will give you advice about any possible side effects during your appointment.

What Happens During an Appointment for Meningitis B Vaccination?

The immunisation appointment takes around 15 minutes and you will be given time ask questions and be counselled on the procedure.
The injection is similar to the routine baby immunisations schedule.

How is Meningitis B Vaccine Given?

The Meningitis B vaccine is given in the form of an injection.
Children aged 2 to 10 years require 2 vaccine doses with at least a 2-month interval between the doses.
Adults and Adolescents (from 11 years) require 2 vaccine doses with at least a 1-month interval between the doses.
Since the vaccine is still relatively new, it is not yet known if these age groups will need booster doses in future, in order to maintain protection. (Booster doses are needed for children who are aged below 2 when they start their course.)

To Book

For further details and appointments call us today on 01425 540214, or book online or email us [email protected]

Further Information

For more information about the Meningitis B Vaccine please Click Here