Meningitis B Vaccination in Leeds

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria can cause meningitis, which affects the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia or sepsis. Although invasive meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can become life-threatening very quickly.

Vaccination reduces the risk from group B meningococcal bacteria but does not protect against every cause of meningitis or sepsis. You should still know the warning signs and seek urgent medical help if someone becomes seriously unwell.

The NHS 2026/27 programme offers free MenB vaccination to young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. It is also offered to people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026, or starting an eligible residential further-education course for the first time and living in college accommodation.

University and eligible college starters may be asked to show an offer letter or other evidence of their place. International students and students arriving from elsewhere in the UK can be eligible under the national criteria. The pharmacy will check the latest NHS rules before vaccination.

Babies are routinely offered MenB vaccination through the NHS childhood programme. If a child has missed a routine dose, contact their GP surgery; catch-up eligibility depends on age and vaccination history. The pharmacy booking request on this page is aimed at the current young-person programme and other services the pharmacy can safely provide.

Some people with particular medical conditions or occupational risks may receive different advice from a specialist, GP or occupational health service. A pharmacist can help identify the correct route, but an online request does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

For the 2026/27 NHS young-person programme, two MenB doses are needed at least 28 days apart. Tell the pharmacy if you have already received a MenB dose and bring any vaccination record you have so the team can plan the next dose correctly.

The schedule can differ for infants, people in clinical risk groups and private vaccination courses. The vaccinator will use your age, health, previous doses and the current national guidance rather than applying one schedule to everyone.

The vaccinator will confirm your identity and eligibility, review previous vaccinations, ask about allergies and current health, and obtain consent. The vaccine is normally given as an injection into the upper arm for young people and adults.

Common effects include pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, nausea or feeling generally unwell. These effects are usually short lived. The team will explain aftercare and when to seek medical advice.

Leeds Pharmacy is at 203 Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3EJ. The location is convenient for patients and students in Headingley, Kirkstall, Burley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Horsforth and surrounding Leeds areas.

Use the online form to request a Meningitis B vaccination and select an available time. This sends your details to the Leeds Pharmacy team and emails you a confirmation when notification delivery succeeds. The pharmacy will contact you if eligibility, vaccine availability or timing needs to be checked before the appointment.