Private Meningitis B Vaccination Service in Chippenham
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Protect yourself or your family against Meningitis B
Chippenham Pharmacy & Health Clinic offers a private Meningitis B vaccination service for people who are not eligible for vaccination through the NHS.
Meningococcal group B disease can cause meningitis and septicaemia. Although it is uncommon, it can develop rapidly and may become life-threatening within hours.
Our private service provides convenient access to vaccination following a clinical assessment by an experienced healthcare professional.
Appointments are available at our dedicated off-site vaccination clinic in Chippenham.
What is Meningitis B?
Meningitis B is caused by meningococcal group B bacteria.
The infection can lead to:
- Meningitis, which affects the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Septicaemia, a serious form of blood poisoning.
Some people carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose or throat without becoming unwell. However, the bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream or surrounding tissues and cause serious disease.
Vaccination can reduce the risk of developing Meningitis B, although no vaccine can provide complete protection against every possible cause of meningitis.
Who may benefit from private MenB vaccination?
Our private service may be suitable for people who would like additional protection but do not qualify for vaccination through an NHS programme.
This may include:
- University or college students who are not eligible for the NHS service.
- Young adults moving into shared accommodation.
- People travelling to study or live overseas.
- Parents seeking vaccination for children who are outside the routine NHS schedule.
- Individuals with concerns about their personal risk.
- People who have been advised to consider vaccination by a healthcare professional.
- Anyone who would like to discuss private protection against Meningitis B.
Suitability will be assessed individually before vaccination.
Why may students be at increased risk?
Students often mix closely with large numbers of people, particularly during the first weeks of university.
Factors that may increase the spread of meningococcal bacteria include:
- Living in halls of residence or shared accommodation.
- Attending busy social events.
- Meeting new groups of people.
- Sharing drinks, utensils or vaping devices.
- Close and prolonged contact with others.
Students should also check whether they have received the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against group B disease.
How many doses are required?
The number of doses and the interval between them will depend on factors including:
- Your age.
- Your previous vaccination history.
- Your medical history.
- The licensed vaccination schedule that applies to you.
Many people will require more than one dose to complete the recommended course.
Our healthcare professional will explain the appropriate schedule during your consultation.
It is important to begin the course early, particularly where vaccination is being arranged before university, travel or moving into shared accommodation.
What happens at the appointment?
Before vaccination, one of our healthcare professionals will complete a clinical assessment to confirm that the vaccine is suitable for you.
The appointment will include:
- A review of your medical history.
- A check of your previous vaccinations.
- Discussion of allergies, medicines and relevant health conditions.
- An explanation of the vaccine and recommended dosing schedule.
- An opportunity to ask questions.
- Administration of the vaccine where clinically appropriate.
- Advice about side effects and aftercare.
Vaccination will only be provided where the clinician is satisfied that it is safe and appropriate.
Possible side effects
As with all vaccines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Muscle or joint aches.
- Feeling generally unwell.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
These effects are usually mild and settle within a few days.
Serious allergic reactions are rare. Our trained vaccinators have appropriate emergency medicines and equipment available.
Why choose Chippenham Pharmacy & Health Clinic?
Our private vaccination service provides:
- Face-to-face assessment by an experienced healthcare professional.
- Vaccination in a private clinical environment.
- Clear advice about the recommended vaccination course.
- Convenient appointments in Chippenham.
- Ongoing access to a local healthcare team.
- Support with arranging any further doses required.
- A vaccination record following treatment.
Book your private MenB vaccination
Whether you are preparing for university, moving into shared accommodation, travelling overseas or simply want to discuss additional protection, our team can help.
Book a private MenB vaccination consultation with Chippenham Pharmacy & Health Clinic today.
All vaccinations are subject to clinical assessment, eligibility under the private service and vaccine availability.