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Vaccinations

MenB vaccine

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The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria which can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis.

The MenB vaccine is for babies and young children. They're offered a dose of the vaccine at 8 weeks old, 16 weeks old and 1 year old.

Most children can have the MenB vaccine. They only cannot have it if they've had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or an ingredient in it.

You can check the ingredients in the MenB vaccine by asking to see the patient leaflet or searching for it online.

Your GP surgery will usually contact you to arrange your child's MenB vaccinations. Speak to your GP surgery if you have not been contacted.

Common side effects of the MenB vaccine include swelling or pain where the injection was given, a high temperature, irritability and loss of appetite.

Research has shown that the MenB vaccine is very effective at preventing illnesses caused by meningococcal group B bacteria in the UK.

Page last reviewed: 13/03/2024
Next review due: 13/03/2027