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Meningococcal B (MenB)
Meningococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It most commonly presents as Meningitis, sepsis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) which are very serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses.
The MenB vaccine protects against bacteria called “Neisseria meningitidis" type B.
The currently approved MenB vaccines are Trumenba and Bexsero.
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AVAILABILITY UPDATE
Trumenba – Available.
Bexsero – Limited stock available.
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The Vaccine
Who can have this vaccine?
- Trumenba is licensed for people aged 10 years and older.
- Bexsero is licensed for people from 2 months to 50 years old.
Doses required
2-3 doses
Trumenba:
- The standard licensed schedule is 2 doses, given 6 months apart (0 and 6 months). Immune responses develop after the second dose.
- An alternative 3-dose schedule is also licensed. This consists of doses given at 0, 1, and 5 months and the advantage is that immune responses develop after the second dose (month 1); however, this schedule is more expensive because it requires a third dose.
Bexsero:
- 2 doses are required for people over 2 years, with at least 1 month between doses. Immune responses develop after the second dose.
- 3 doses are required for children aged from 2 months to <2 years. The doctor will advise on the right schedule based on the child's age.
Please note:
Bexsero and Trumenba cannot be used interchangeably. Once a course has been started, all doses should be completed using the same vaccine brand.
Price
Price per dose
£150
Total for all doses
£300-450
How is it given?
This is an injection in the upper arm or thigh.
Other information
Protection from MenB vaccination decreases over time. If someone completed a full MenB vaccination course more than 5 years ago, they would be advised to have a full vaccination course again rather than a single booster dose.
Please refer to the patient leaflet for full information on this vaccine:
The MenB NHS programme - FAQs
On 12 June 2026, the Government announced a one-off MenB vaccination programme for young people in England. In response to enquiries we have received, we have produced the following FAQs:
Q: Can I receive the NHS free MenB vaccine at The Maxwell Practice?
No. We do not provide any NHS services. NHS vaccinations can be booked through the NHS booking service: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-menb-vaccination/
Q: Who is eligible for the NHS MenB vaccine?
For this one-off programme, the NHS are offering the Bexsero MenB vaccine to:
• Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current Year 13 students).
• Individuals aged 24 or under who are starting university for the first time in Autumn 2026.
• Individuals aged 24 or under who are entering certain residential further education settings for the first time.
Q: There are two types of MenB vaccine – which one is offered by the NHS?
There are two MenB vaccines licensed for use in the UK: Bexsero and Trumenba. These vaccines are not interchangeable, and vaccine courses should be completed using the same brand.
The NHS programme uses Bexsero, which requires 2 doses given at least 1 month apart.
Q: I have already had one dose of Bexsero privately. Can I have the second dose through the NHS?
A: Yes.
Q: I have already had a dose of Trumenba, can I have subsequent doses through the NHS?
A: The NHS programme uses the Bexsero vaccine. As Bexsero and Trumenba are not interchangeable, the preferred approach is to complete the vaccination course with the same vaccine brand that was started.
If you have already received Trumenba and are considering the NHS Bexsero programme, you should discuss your vaccination history with the NHS provider before proceeding. If Bexsero is given, previous doses of Trumenba would not count towards the Bexsero schedule.
Q: I do not meet the NHS eligibility criteria. Will I be able to get the MenB vaccine through the NHS in the future?
The current NHS MenB programme for young people is a one-off vaccination programme. There are currently no published plans from the Government or NHS to extend it.
Q: If I am now eligible for the NHS MenB programme, can my privately booked vaccination at The Maxwell Practice be provided free of charge?
No. NHS vaccination programmes are funded and delivered separately by the NHS. As a private clinic, we purchase and supply vaccines independently and do not receive NHS-funded vaccine stock.