What's the difference between Meningitis B and ACWY?

They protect against different strains of meningococcal bacteria. Meningitis B targets group B — the most common strain in the UK. Meningitis ACWY targets groups A, C, W, and Y — more common abroad, particularly in Africa and for Hajj/Umrah. They are separate vaccines and can be given in the same visit.

Travel Clinic

Meningitis B Vaccine

A 2-dose vaccine protecting against meningococcal group B bacteria — the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK. Available privately for adults and adolescents.

Starting from

£129

Protects against Meningitis B — the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Recommended for students, young adults, and travellers to areas with known outbreaks.

Book an Appointment

Price

£129 per dose

Doses

2 (1+ month apart)

Course cost

£250 total

Appointment

~15 minutes

Overview

Meningococcal group B (MenB) is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). The disease can progress from first symptoms to life-threatening illness within hours. The meningitis B vaccine is the only licensed MenB vaccine available in the UK. It was added to the NHS childhood immunisation programme in 2015, but is not routinely offered to older age groups. At Holborn Clinic, we provide the meningitis B vaccine privately for students, young adults, and anyone who wants protection against this serious infection.

Who Needs This Vaccine?

Students starting university — communal living environments increase transmission risk significantly.
Young adults aged 17–25 who did not receive the meningitis B vaccine as infants (added to the UK childhood schedule in 2015).
Travellers to areas with known Meningitis B outbreaks.
Close contacts of someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease.
People with certain medical conditions that increase susceptibility, including asplenia or complement deficiency.

What to Expect

The course is 2 doses given at least 1 month apart. Each appointment takes approximately 15 minutes.
The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.
Paracetamol is recommended after vaccination to reduce the likelihood of fever — our pharmacist will advise.
Protection builds after the second dose. Plan to complete the course before the high-risk period (e.g. university freshers' week).

Side Effects

Very common: soreness, swelling, or hardness at the injection site. Fever, headache, and fatigue.
Common: nausea, joint pain, or muscle aches — usually resolves within 48 hours.
Paracetamol can be taken prophylactically to reduce fever. Serious side effects are rare.

Enquiries

Meningitis B Vaccine FAQ’s

Ask Questions

The meningitis B vaccine is part of the NHS childhood schedule (given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 1 year). However, it is not routinely offered on the NHS to older children, adolescents, or adults. Private vaccination is available at Holborn Clinic for anyone outside the NHS-funded age groups.

Ready to Book?

Same day appointments available. Call ahead to book. No consultation fees.

Book an Appointment Call 0207 405 1039

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Overview

Who Needs This Vaccine?

Students starting university — communal living environments increase transmission risk significantly.

Young adults aged 17–25 who did not receive the meningitis B vaccine as infants (added to the UK childhood schedule in 2015).

Travellers to areas with known Meningitis B outbreaks.

Close contacts of someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease.

People with certain medical conditions that increase susceptibility, including asplenia or complement deficiency.

What to Expect

The course is 2 doses given at least 1 month apart. Each appointment takes approximately 15 minutes.

The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.

Paracetamol is recommended after vaccination to reduce the likelihood of fever — our pharmacist will advise.

Protection builds after the second dose. Plan to complete the course before the high-risk period (e.g. university freshers' week).

Meningitis B Vaccine

Overview

Who Needs This Vaccine?

What to Expect

Side Effects

Meningitis B Vaccine FAQ’s

Isn't Meningitis B covered by the NHS?

What's the difference between Meningitis B and ACWY?

Ready to Book?

Meningitis B Vaccine

Overview

Who Needs This Vaccine?

What to Expect

Side Effects

Meningitis B Vaccine FAQ’s

Isn't Meningitis B covered by the NHS?

What's the difference between Meningitis B and ACWY?

Ready to Book?