Meningitis B Vaccination Service (Bexsero)

The Meningitis B Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered immunisation against invasive meningococcal group B disease using Bexsero (4CMenB), available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches for infants from 2 months of age and at-risk older children and adults.

Key facts

Who the MenB vaccine is for

• Infants and young children whose parents want them protected outside the routine NHS schedule (e.g. older infants who missed their 8-week / 16-week / 1-year doses)
• Adolescents and university-bound students seeking added protection beyond the NHS MenACWY jab
• Adults with asplenia, complement deficiency, or other conditions that increase meningococcal risk
• Laboratory workers, household contacts of cases, and travellers to outbreak regions

Not suitable for: infants under 2 months of age; anyone with a confirmed allergy to a Bexsero component or a previous severe reaction to the vaccine; anyone with an acute febrile illness on the day (postpone until recovered).

How the service works

1. Select the course and complete payment online.
2. Call your chosen branch to book the first appointment:
   Holborn London: 020 8106 7084
   Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584
3. At the first appointment our pharmacist will confirm clinical suitability, check ID (and parental/guardian ID for children), and confirm the dose schedule appropriate for the age group.
4. Receive the injection on site. Subsequent doses and any booster appointments are scheduled at the same visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of Bexsero do I need?

It depends on age at the first dose. Infants starting between 2 and 5 months typically receive 3 primary doses plus a booster after the first birthday. Infants starting between 6 and 11 months receive 2 doses at least 2 months apart, plus a booster in the second year. Children aged 12 to 23 months receive 2 doses at least 2 months apart with a booster 12 to 23 months later. Children aged 2 years and over and adults receive 2 doses at least 1 month apart. The pharmacist will confirm your exact schedule at the first appointment.

Is this an NHS service?

No. The NHS provides Bexsero free to infants on the routine childhood schedule (8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year). This private service is for people outside that group, including older children whose parents want catch-up doses, adolescents, students and at-risk adults.

Is fever common after Bexsero in infants?

Yes. Fever within 24 hours of the injection is common in infants under 2 years, especially when Bexsero is given with other routine vaccines. Prophylactic paracetamol is recommended for infants under 2; please bring infant paracetamol with you to the appointment. The fever is usually short-lived and settles within 1 to 2 days.

Can adults have the MenB vaccine?

Yes. Bexsero is licensed from 2 months of age with no upper age limit. Adults at higher risk because of medical conditions (such as splenectomy or complement deficiency), occupation (lab work with N. meningitidis), or travel to outbreak areas can receive a 2-dose course at least 1 month apart.

Can MenB be given at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. Bexsero can be co-administered with most routine childhood and adult vaccines, including MenACWY, MMR, HPV and seasonal flu, at different injection sites. The pharmacist will plan timing if you wish to combine appointments.

What are the common side effects?

The most common side effects are local: tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site, plus fever, irritability or sleepiness in infants and headache or muscle ache in adults. Serious reactions are rare. You will be asked to wait 15 minutes after the injection for monitoring.

Safety

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day, including allergy and febrile-illness check
• Parents or legal guardians must present photo ID and proof of guardianship when bringing a child
• Infant paracetamol recommended for children under 2 — please bring it with you
• 15-minute observation period after injection

References

• NHS — MenB vaccine overview
• Bexsero — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.