The MenB vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination that is offered on the NHS to all babies born on or after May 1 2015.
The vaccine, which protects against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), is given as an injection into the left thigh at the same time as the other routine childhood vaccinations at:
- 8 weeks
- 16 weeks
- One year
The MenB vaccine and other vaccines
It's safe for your baby to have the MenB vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines, including the 6-in-1 vaccine and MMR vaccine. Where possible, each vaccine is given in different limbs.
Read about possible MenB vaccine side effects.
What happens if my baby misses their vaccination appointment?
If your baby missed the vaccination appointment, or if vaccination was delayed, then make a new appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Babies who missed their first MenB vaccination at 8 weeks of age can start later. Those who received some of their MenB vaccinations, but are not fully up-to-date with the schedule, can catch up on any vaccinations they may have missed previously. However, only babies born on or after May 1 2015 will be eligible to receive MenB vaccination.
Which babies should not have the MenB vaccine?
There are very few babies who cannot have the MenB vaccine.
The MenB vaccine should not be given to a baby who:
- has had an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the MenB vaccine or any of the substances in it. Find out the ingredients of the MenB vaccine (PDF, 226kb)
- is ill with a fever; in this instance, put off the vaccination until they have recovered; babies who have a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, can have the vaccination as normal
Read more about the MenB vaccine.
Article provided by NHS Choices