Guidance

MenB: 3-minute guide to protecting your baby against meningitis and septicaemia (plain text)

Updated 9 October 2026

Protecting your baby against meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal B bacteria 3-minute guide

A vaccine to help protect against meningococcal group B (MenB) disease is given as part of the routine immunisation programme in the UK. This guide includes information about the MenB vaccine and the disease that it helps protect against. It also includes information about the use of paracetamol after vaccination.

What is MenB disease?

MenB disease is a serious illness caused by group B strains of meningococcal bacteria. These bacteria are a major cause of meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) in young children and teenagers.

We fear these diseases because they can:

• come on suddenly
• progress very quickly
• kill in hours
• leave survivors with life-long disabilities

What are the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia?

The symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicaemia can include:

• refusing feeds, vomiting
• feeling drowsy and not responding to you, or being difficult to wake
• being floppy and having no energy, or being stiff with jerky movements
• being irritable when picked up
• a high-pitched moaning cry
• grunting
• rapid or unusual patterns of breathing
• fever (high temperature)
• cold hands and/or feet
• skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
• shivering
• spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure
• convulsions or seizures
• a bulging fontanelle (the soft patch on the top of the baby’s head)
• a stiff neck
• disliking bright lights

Symptoms can occur in any order and some  may not appear at all – trust your instincts and get medical advice urgently if you have concerns.

The typical rash of meningococcal septicaemia usually starts as small pinpricks, but as the disease progresses deep purple blotches that do not fade under pressure can appear. Not all children get this rash, so you should not wait for this before seeking help.

How many different kinds of meningococcal bacteria are there?

There are many different kinds, but MenB is responsible for most cases of meningococcal disease in young children and teenagers in this country. MenC disease is now rare as a result of highly successful vaccination programmes and an ongoing teenage MenACWY vaccination programme.

How are meningococcal bacteria spread?

The bacteria live in the throats of about 10% of healthy people. They do not spread easily but may be passed on through close prolonged contact, for example within families, probably by coughing, sneezing or kissing.

How common is MenB disease?

There are around 300 to 400 cases of MenB disease in England each year. About 1 in every 5 cases occurs in a child under 5 years of age. Without meningococcal vaccines hundreds more young children would get meningococcal disease each year.

Can MenB disease be treated?

Meningitis and septicaemia need urgent admission to hospital and rapid treatment with
antibiotics. If treatment is started quickly, then it is much less likely to be life-threatening or cause permanent disability. If you think your baby or child has symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, get urgent medical advice.

Why is my baby being offered a MenB vaccine?

This vaccine helps protect babies against MenB disease, which is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia in infants and young children.

The MenB vaccine should be given with the other routine vaccinations at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 1 year

The vaccine is given at 8 and 12 weeks of age to provide early protection against MenB disease in infancy. Vaccinating babies on time helps protect them before they are at highest risk of developing MenB disease. The MenB vaccine will not protect against other bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.

So if you are at all concerned about your baby at any time, then trust your instincts and speak to your GP or call  NHS 111.

Is this this vaccine safe?

The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety criteria. It has been given to babies in the UK as part of the routine immunisation programme since 2015.

Does the MenB vaccine have any side effects?

Some babies may:

• have a temperature (fever)
• have redness, swelling or tenderness where they had the injection
• be a bit irritable
• lose their appetite

These normally clear up within 1 or 2 days of vaccination.

Why do I need to give my baby paracetamol following the 8 week and 12 week vaccinations?

Fever can occur after any vaccination, but is very common when the MenB vaccine is given with the other routine vaccines at 8 and 12 weeks. The fever shows the baby’s body is responding to the vaccine, although the level of fever depends on the individual child and does not indicate how well the vaccine has worked. Giving paracetamol will reduce the risk of fever, irritability and general discomfort (including pain at the site of the injection) after vaccination.

How much paracetamol should I give my baby and when?

You will need to give your baby a total of 3 doses of paracetamol (2.5ml of infant paracetamol 120mg/5ml suspension) to prevent and treat any potential fever after both the 8 and 12 week vaccination visits. You should give the first dose of paracetamol as soon as possible after your baby’s 8 week vaccination visit.

You should then give the second dose 4 to 6 hours later and the third dose 4 to 6 hours after that.

You will need to follow the same steps after your baby has had their 12 week vaccines.

If you do not have any paracetamol liquid for infants at home, you should get some in time for your first vaccination visit. It is widely available from pharmacies and supermarkets. If you require more information about this, ask at your GP practice.

Are there any babies who shouldn’t have this vaccine?

Yes, speak to your doctor if your baby has:

• had a serious allergic reaction to any vaccination
• had a serious allergic reaction to the first MenB vaccination
• a fever on the day of the appointment
• a bleeding condition such as haemophilia

Where can I get more information?

The following charities provide information, advice and support:

Meningitis Research Foundation

Free helpline 080 8800 3344

Meningitis Now

Freephone Meningitis Helpline 0808 80 10 388

9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm Friday

Or go to NHS vaccinations

If you are at all worried about your baby’s health at any time, trust your instincts and speak to your GP or call 111.