Protect yourself against MenB before university

A new NHS vaccination programme is offering protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease to eligible young people across England.

The vaccine is being offered as a one-off programme to help protect those at highest risk before they start university or residential higher education in autumn 2026.

MenB disease is rare but can be very serious. It can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia), which can lead to life-changing disabilities or death.

Who can get the vaccine?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are currently in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
  • Are under 25 and starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
  • Are under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.

All eligible Year 13 students can receive the vaccine, regardless of whether they plan to go to university or college.

Why is the vaccine being offered?

Recent outbreaks and clusters of MenB disease have prompted health experts to introduce this temporary vaccination programme while further evidence is reviewed. There were 313 confirmed MenB cases in England during 2024/25, accounting for around 83% of invasive meningococcal disease cases.

Young people starting university are at increased risk because bacteria can spread more easily through close contact in shared accommodation and social settings. First-year university students have been found to have a significantly higher risk of MenB disease than other young people of a similar age.

What is MenB?

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause:

  • Meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord)
  • Septicaemia (blood poisoning)

The illness can develop quickly and become life-threatening within hours.

Although rare, MenB can cause:

  • Hearing loss
  • Brain damage
  • Amputations
  • Scarring
  • Death in around 1 in 10 cases

How does MenB spread?

The bacteria that cause MenB are spread through close and prolonged contact with an infected person.

This can include:

  • Kissing
  • Sharing drinks, water bottles or vapes
  • Living in the same household or accommodation
  • Close social contact over a prolonged period

People can carry the bacteria without feeling unwell and can pass it to others without knowing.

How many doses do I need?

You need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection.

  • The first dose will be offered from July 2026.
  • The second dose should be given at least four weeks later.
  • Both doses are needed to help protect against MenB disease.

How will I be invited?

You do not need to wait for an invitation from the NHS before booking your MenB vaccinations. If you are eligible, you can book your appointments through the national booking service as soon as bookings are available.

The NHS may also contact eligible Year 13 students through:

  • The NHS App
  • Text message
  • Email
  • Letter

The method used will depend on the contact details held in your NHS records.

We recommend booking both of your MenB vaccination appointments through the national booking service. The two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart, and booking through the service helps ensure you receive both vaccinations at the correct time.

Some pharmacies may offer walk-in appointments for the first dose only. However, this varies between pharmacies, so you would need to contact them directly to check availability.

To help make sure you receive both doses at the right interval, we recommend booking through the national booking service whenever possible.

Book a MenB vaccination appointment

What pharmacies in Essex offer the MenB vaccine?

The MenB vaccine will be available from participating community pharmacies across Essex.

Brentwood borough

  • Boots, 51 High Street, Brentwood, CM14 4RH
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, Beechwood Surgery, Pastoral Way, Warley, Brentwood, CM14 5WF
  • Ingrave Pharmacy, 21 Eastham Crescent, Ingrave, Brentwood, CM13 2BN
  • Ongar Road Pharmacy, 249 Ongar Road, Brentwood, CM15 9DZ
  • Pharmchoice Pharmacy, 9 Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AP
  • Rockleigh Court Chemist, 138 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Brentwood, CM15 8NL
  • Shenfield Pharmacy, 222 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Brentwood, CM15 8PA
  • Village Pharmacy, 86 Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, CM15 0NG
  • Shadforth Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, 80 High Street, Ingatestone, CM4 9DW
  • Well Pharmacy, 201 Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 1LZ

Chelmsford City

  • Allied Pharmacy South Woodham Ferrers, 6 Brickfields Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5XB
  • Apple Tree Pharmacy, 6 Chelmer Village Square, Chelmsford, CM2 6RF
  • Boots, 2 Chelmer Village Retail Park, Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, CM2 6XE
  • Boots, Moss Pharmacy, 6A Eves Corner, Danbury, Chelmsford, CM3 4QF
  • Boots, 3 Hadfelda Square, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2HD
  • Boreham Pharmacy, The Laurels, Juniper Road, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3DX
  • Colecross Ltd, 1 Hylands Parade, Wood Street, Chelmsford, CM2 8BW
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 136 Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford, CM2 9LG
  • Galleywood Pharmacy Ltd, 39 Watchouse Road, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8PU
  • Govani Chemists, 14 Queen Elizabeth II Square, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5TD
  • Melbourne Pharmacy, 18 Melbourne Parade, Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, CM1 2DW
  • Morrisons Pharmacy, Copperfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 4UX
  • Rivermead Pharmacy, Unit 3 & 4 Rivermead Gate, Rectory Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1TR
  • Shadforth Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, 253 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 4DP
  • Shantys, 62 Baddow Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0DL
  • Springfield Pharmacy, 1 Clematis Tye, Crocus Way, North Springfield, Chelmsford, CM1 6GL
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Princes Road, Chelmsford, CM2 9XW
  • The Village Pharmacy, 52 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DU
  • Village Pharmacy, 36-38 Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5NG
  • Vision Pharmacy, 39 Imperial Avenue, Mayland, CM3 6AH
  • Writtle Road Pharmacy, Unit 1A Crompton Building, Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3RW

Maldon district

  • Boots, 54 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN
  • Fiveways Pharmacy, 3 Foundry Lane, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BL
  • Heybridge Pharmacy, Unit 10A-10B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4GD
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 15 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA
  • Savages Pharmacy, 22 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BQ
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Fullbridge, Maldon, CM9 4LE
  • Tollesbury Pharmacy, 12A East Street, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD
  • Vision Pharmacy, Longfield Medical Centre, Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DF

Braintree district

  • Boots, 7 George Yard Shopping Centre, Braintree, CM7 1RB
  • Boots, 69-71 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2JD
  • Boots, Moss Pharmacy, 3-4 Broadway, Silver End, Witham, CM8 3RQ
  • Boots, Alliance Pharmacy, 50 High Street, Earls Colne, Colchester, CO6 2PB
  • Boots, 42 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AR
  • Boots, 4 Spa Road, Witham, CM8 1NE
  • Borno Chemist, 10 Great Square, Braintree, CM7 1UB
  • Borno Chemists Limited, Mount Chambers, 96 Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 9BY
  • Borno Chemists Limited, 124 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 1BA
  • Challis Pharmacy, 35 Masefield Road, Braintree, CM7 1AA
  • Christchurch Pharmacy, Mace Avenue, Off Rayne Road, Braintree, CM7 2AE
  • Christchurch Pharmacy, 70 Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 9BY
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 1 Doubleday Corner, Coggeshall, CO6 1NJ
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3PP
  • Meadows Pharmacy, Trinovantian Way, Braintree, CM7 3JN
  • Osbon Pharmacy, 1 Potter Court, Flemming Way, Witham, CM8 2ZJ
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, The Square, Notley Green, Braintree, CM77 7WW
  • Witham Pharmacy, 5 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AF

Colchester district

  • Abbey Field Medical Centre, Abbey Field Medical Centre, Ypres Road, Colchester, CO2 7UW
  • Asda Pharmacy, Petrolea Close, Colchester, CO4 5TU
  • Boots, 2-4 Plume Avenue, Colchester, CO3 4PG
  • Boots, 4-6 Lion Walk, Colchester, CO1 1LX
  • Boots, 118 Military Road, Colchester, CO1 2AR
  • Boots, St. Edmunds Centre, Tamarisk Way, Greenstead, Colchester, CO4 3GW
  • Boots, Unit 9, Tollgate West, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 8RG
  • Boots, 37 Barfield Road, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8QX
  • Boots, 3-5 The Centre, Church Road, Tiptree, Colchester, CO5 0HF
  • Boots, 11 Vine Parade, Wivenhoe, Colchester, CO7 9HA
  • Boots, 72A & 72B High Street, Kelvedon, Colchester, CO5 9AE
  • Cavalry Road Pharmacy, 15 Cavalry Road, Colchester, CO2 7GH
  • Colchester City Pharmacy, 7 Priory Walk, Colchester, CO1 1LG
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 77 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EZ
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 338 Harwich Road, Colchester, CO4 3HP
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 81A East Hill, Colchester, CO1 2QW
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, St. Christopher Road, Colchester, CO4 0NA
  • Dedham Pharmacy, High Street, Dedham, CO7 6DE
  • Hutt Pharmacy, 4 The Square, Iceni Way, Colchester, CO2 9EB
  • Island Pharmacy, 4 Kingsway, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8TH
  • Marks Tey Pharmacy Ltd, 89 London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, CO6 1EB
  • Mersea Road Pharmacy, 358 Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 8RB
  • Nayland Road Pharmacy, 13 Nayland Road, Mile End, Colchester, CO4 5EG
  • Prettygate Pharmacy, 102 The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester, CO3 4NW
  • Queen Street Pharmacy, 12 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PJ
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Highwoods Square, Highwoods, Colchester, CO4 9ED
  • The Hythe Pharmacy, 1-2 Hythe Quay, Colchester, CO2 8JB
  • Tiptree Pharmacy, Unit 4, 80 Church Road, Tiptree, Colchester, CO5 0HB
  • West Bergholt Pharmacy, 39 Chapel Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, CO6 3JB

Tendring district

  • Boots, 52 Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0AB
  • Boots, 86 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1NJ
  • Boots, 15 North Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4DA
  • Boots, 54-62 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QN
  • Boots, 10 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9PW
  • Boots, 75 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 5UH
  • Boots, 224-226 High Street, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 3AJ
  • Boots, 19 Clacton Road, St Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea, CO16 8PA
  • Borno Chemists, 3 Portobello Buildings, High Street, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8BB
  • Borno Pharmacy, Fryatt Hospital, 419 Main Road, Harwich, CO12 4EX
  • Connaught Avenue Pharmacy, 98 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9PT
  • Clacton Pharmacy, 32 Crossways, Jaywick, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 2NB
  • Clacton Pharmacy, 354 St. Johns Road, Bockings Elm, Clacton-On-Sea, CO16 8DS
  • Clacton Pharmacy, 2 Jackson Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 1JA
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 30 Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 0LE
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 151 High Street, Harwich, CO12 3AX
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 8 Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 0AU
  • Holland Pharmacy, 77-79 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 5UH
  • Mansfield Pharmacy, Maidshead Parade, High Street, Thorpe-le-Soken, CO16 0DY
  • Oakley Pharmacy, 10 Oakley Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 4QZ
  • Pier Avenue Pharmacy, 85-87 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QE
  • Prescription 2 You Healthcare Ltd, 89-91 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QE
  • The Lighthouse Pharmacy, 19-21 The Street, Little Clacton, CO16 9LQ

Castle Point borough

  • Arundel Pharmacy, 96 Arundel Road, Benfleet, SS7 4EF
  • Asif’s New Pharmacy, 249-251 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RF
  • Benfleet Pharmacy, 299 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5HA
  • Boots, 171 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JD
  • Boots, 33-37 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7AG
  • Boots, 241-243 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RF
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 236 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7BY
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 193 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7RN
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 363 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JQ
  • Cross Chemist, 133 London Road, Benfleet, SS7 5UH
  • Daynite Pharmacy, 261 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2BN
  • Elora Pharmacy, 115-117 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5LN
  • Hadleigh Pharmacy, 298 Kiln Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, SS7 1QT
  • Morrisons Pharmacy, 175 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RB
  • Well Pharmacy, 97-99 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7AY

Rochford district

  • Audley Mills Pharmacy, 55-57 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7JE
  • Boots, 77 High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7EJ
  • Boots, 16 Willowdale Centre, High Street, Wickford, SS12 0RA
  • Boots, Unit 5, Silva Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
  • C Percy Ltd, 212 Main Road, Hawkwell, Hockley, SS5 4EG
  • Chemicrest Pharmacy, 39-41 Spa Road, Hockley, SS5 4AZ
  • Ferry Pharmacy, 167 Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley, SS5 6JH
  • Garbett Chemist, 23 High Street, Wickford, SS12 9AE
  • Grange Pharmacy, 113 London Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9AX
  • Hockley Pharmacy, 5-7 Broad Parade, Hockley, SS5 5DA
  • Hambro Pharmacy, 53A Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9NL
  • Shotgate Pharmacy, 312 Southend Road, Shotgate, Wickford, SS11 8QW
  • Well Pharmacy, 42 West Street, Rochford, SS4 1AJ
  • Well Pharmacy, 12 Willowdale Centre, High Street, Wickford, SS12 0RA
  • Wickford Pharmacy, 20 London Road, Wickford, SS12 0AN
  • Yardley Pharmacy, 16 High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7EF

Southend-on-Sea City

  • Asda Pharmacy, North Shoebury Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 8DA
  • Bansals Pharmacy, 178 The Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3ES
  • Belfairs Pharmacy, 327 Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LT
  • Boots, 801 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2PP
  • Boots, Unit G48, Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5SA
  • Boots, Unit 2, The Royals Shopping Centre, High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1DE
  • Boots, 9-13 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5UU
  • Bridgwater Pharmacy, 84 Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0DH
  • Derix Healthcare Pharmacy, 1065 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3JP
  • Earls Hall Pharmacy, 8 Earls Hall Parade, Prince Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6NW
  • Elms Pharmacy Ltd, 912 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3NG
  • Elmsleigh Pharmacy, 185 Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4JH
  • French’s Chemist, 1723-1725 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2SW
  • Great Wakering Pharmacy, 62 High Street, Great Wakering, SS3 0EQ
  • Haveela Pharmacy, North Road PCC, 183-195 North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AF
  • Howells & Harrison, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3EX
  • Howells & Harrison, 235 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2SG
  • Kalsons Chemist, 138 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0RJ
  • Leigh Broadway Pharmacy, 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
  • Leigh Road Pharmacy, 87 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1JN
  • Morrisons Pharmacy, Western Approaches, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6SH
  • Murray Miller Pharmacy, 526 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5PW
  • Osbon Pharmacy, 372 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5PT
  • Queensway Pharmacy, 61 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
  • Rays Pharmacy, 47 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5PB
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 5 West Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9AU
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 779 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9SU
  • Shadforth Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, 25 Stock Road, Billericay, CM12 0AH
  • Southend Pharmacy, Queensway Surgery, 75 Queensway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AB
  • Superdrug Pharmacy, 37-41 High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1JD
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Prince Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0JP
  • Vinods Pharmacy, 227 Hamstel Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4LB

Basildon borough

  • AA Pharmacy, 98 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 3JT
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 1 Marsh View Court, Vange, Basildon, SS16 4QW
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 144 Clay Hill Road, Basildon, SS16 5DF
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 7 Felmores End, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 1PN
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 562 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2ER
  • Asda Pharmacy, Pipps Hill Retail Park, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, SS14 3AF
  • Asda Pharmacy, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, SS14 1AE
  • Boots, 31 Ballards Walk, Basildon, SS15 5HL
  • Boots, Unit 6B, Mayflower Retail Park, Gardiners Link, Basildon, SS14 3HZ
  • Boots, 8 Northlands Pavement, Pitsea Centre, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 3DU
  • Boots, 10-11 The Pantiles, Queen’s Park Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0UA
  • Boots, 64-66 High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BS
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 213 Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1PB
  • Day Lews Pharmacy, 6 Grange Road, Billericay, CM11 2RB
  • Great Berry Pharmacy, Unit 4, Great Berry Centre, Nightingales, Basildon, SS16 6SA
  • Noak Bridge Pharmacy Limited, 147 Coppice Lane, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 4JS
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 465 Clay Hill Road, Basildon, SS16 4EX
  • Sach Chemists, 10 Broadway, High Road, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 3AT
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 3JU
  • Tesco Instore Pharmacy, Mayflower Retail Park, Gardiners Link, Basildon, SS14 3HZ
  • Vanas Limited, 134 Rectory Road, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 2AJ
  • Well Pharmacy, 1 Kibcaps, Lee Chapel South, Basildon, SS16 5SA
  • Well Pharmacy, Unit 1 Laindon Temp Shops, Danacre, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 5PS
  • Whitmore Pharmacy, 418 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2HB

Thurrock

  • Allcures Pharmacy, 62 High Street, Grays, RM17 6NA
  • Allcures Pharmacy, Stanford House, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Tilbury, RM18 8YP
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 16 Kings Parade, King Street, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0HP
  • Allcures Plc, Purfleet Care Centre, Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SX
  • Armada Pharmacy, 12 Drake House, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6PS
  • Asda Pharmacy, Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury, RM18 7HJ
  • Boots, 74-75 Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, RM20 2ZG
  • Boots, 43 High Street, Grays, RM17 6NB
  • Boots, 83-85 St Johns Way, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 7NA
  • Boots, Unit 1B The Junction, Thurrock Shopping Park, Weston Avenue, Grays, RM20 3LP
  • Dips Chemist, 12 Defoe Parade, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, RM16 4QR
  • Essex Pharmacy, 2 Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD
  • Hassengate Pharmacy, Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0PH
  • Hemants Chemists, 10 Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, RM15 5EE
  • Lodge Lane Pharmacy, 31 Lodge Lane, Grays, RM17 5RY
  • Ohms Pharmacy, 32 High Street, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4AD
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 1 South Road, South Ockendon, RM15 6NU
  • Riverview Pharmacy, 22 River View, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, RM16 4BJ
  • Stifford Pharmacy, 16 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Grays, RM16 2BD
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Cygnet View, Lakeside, Grays, RM20 1TX
  • Unicare Pharmacy, 89 Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5HH
  • Unicare Pharmacy, 22 St Johns Way, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 7LJ
  • Vision Pharmacy, 11 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Grays, RM16 2AP
  • Vision Pharmacy, 22 High Street, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4AD

Harlow district

  • Boots, 9 North House, Bush Fair, Harlow, CM18 6PA
  • Boots, 37 Broad Walk, Harlow, CM20 1JA
  • Church Langley Pharmacy, Florence Nightingale Health Centre, Minton Lane, Church Langley, Harlow, CM17 9TG
  • Dees Pharmacy, 100 High Street, Roydon, Harlow, CM19 5EE
  • Greenway Pharmacy, 73 Sherwood House, Bush Fair, Harlow, CM18 6NW
  • Harlow Town Pharmacy, Unit B, Mayflower House, Wych Elm, Harlow, CM20 1FT
  • Medicare Pharmacy, Sumners Hatch, 1 Broadley Road, Harlow, CM19 5RD
  • Metwest Pharmacy, Unit 2, Lister House Health Centre, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, CM18 6YJ
  • Netteswell Pharmacy, 1 Pypers Hatch, Maddox Road, Harlow, CM20 3NG
  • Potter Street Pharmacy, 12 Prentice Place, Potter Street, Harlow, CM17 9BG
  • Stow Pharmacy, 16 The Stow, Mark Hall, Harlow, CM20 3AH
  • Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Church Langley Way, Harlow, CM17 9TE
  • Well Pharmacy, 107 The Stow, Harlow, CM20 3AS

Epping Forest district

  • Asvacare Ltd, 32 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BY
  • Brook House Pharmacy, 20 Brook Parade, High Road, Chigwell, IG7 6PF
  • Chipping Ongar Pharmacy, 205 High Street, Ongar, CM5 9JG
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 48 Pyrles Lane, Loughton, IG10 2NN
  • Easter Pharmacy, 54 Station Way, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 6LL
  • Elgon Chemists, Lower Nazeing Post Office, 6-8 Nazeingbury Parade, Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2JL
  • Loughton Pharmacy, Loughton Health Centre, The Drive, Loughton, IG10 1HW
  • Morrisons Pharmacy, 246-250 High Road, Loughton, IG10 1RB
  • Oakwood Pharmacy, 118 Roding Road, Loughton, IG10 3EJ
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 10 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EE
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 8 Hill House, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL
  • Rosewood Pharmacy, 283 High Street, Epping, CM16 4DA
  • Theydon Bois Pharmacy Limited, 10 Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, Epping, CM16 7EY
  • Well Pharmacy, The Limes Medical Centre, The Plain, Epping, CM16 6TL
  • Well Pharmacy, 198-202 High Street, Ongar, CM5 9JJ

Uttlesford district

  • Boots, Market Place, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HR
  • Newport Pharmacy, The Brown House, High Street, Newport, Saffron Walden, CB11 3QY
  • Peacock Pharmacy, 2 Lower Street, Stansted, CM24 8XG
  • Ropers The Chemist, 3-5 High Street, Dunmow, CM6 1AB
  • Thaxted Pharmacy, 3 Town Street, Thaxted, Dunmow, CM6 2LD
  • Well Pharmacy, 3 The Arches, Hill Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1ED
  • Yogi Pharmacies, 7 Market Place, Dunmow, CM6 1AX
  • Yogi Pharmacy, Ellesborough House, Dunmow Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6SH

What if I have already had the MenACWY vaccine?

Many young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine at school (Year 9).

The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It does not protect against MenB.

Even if you have had MenACWY, you should still get the MenB vaccine if you are eligible.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards.

The vaccine, called Bexsero®, has been used routinely in the UK childhood vaccination programme since 2015 and has shown a strong safety record.

Common side effects include:

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
  • Headache
  • Mild fever
  • Feeling sick
  • Muscle aches

These symptoms usually pass within a day or two.

Know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia

Vaccination provides important protection, but no vaccine offers 100% protection.

Seek urgent medical advice if you or someone else develops symptoms such as:

  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • High temperature
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Vomiting
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Drowsiness or difficulty waking
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed

Always trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice if you think someone may have meningitis or septicaemia. Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Find out more

For more information about the MenB vaccination programme, visit the NHS and UKHSA guidance pages.