Updated 30th March 2026

Due to unprecedented demand, there is currently limited supply of the MenB vaccine across the UK. We are currently working through our waiting list. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for a vaccine, please contact us, providing your name and contact number. 

Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

Meningitis outbreak

There is currently an ongoing outbreak of invasive meningitis, a form of meningococcal disease – in Kent.

The overall risk of Meningitis B (MenB) to people outside the Kent area remains low.

If you have symptoms of meningitis, call 999 or go to A&E straight away. If someone goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly.

Find out more about the Meningitis outbreak from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

  • a high temperature (fever)
  • being sick
  • a headache
  • a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
  • a stiff neck
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • drowsiness or unresponsiveness
  • seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.

When to get medical help

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.

Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can become very unwell very quickly.

If you’re not sure if your symptoms are serious, use NHS 111 online or call 111 to find out what to do.

If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.

How meningitis is spread

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • kissing

Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.

Vaccinations against meningitis

Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.

These are available on the NHS and include the:

  • MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year
  • 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
  • pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
  • MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
  • MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time

Private Vaccinations at AR Pharmacy

Private vaccination service is available at AR Pharmacy West Totton for the following vaccines:

MenB Vaccine: 2 doses at least a month apart, £115 per dose

MMR Vaccine: 2 doses at least a month apart, £35 per dose

MenACWY: £62

 

More Information

For more information, visit NHS.uk and UKHSA websites.