We are unable to offer the Meningitis B vaccination privately and have received the following specific guidelines from Public Health England regarding the Meningitis B vaccination.
Men B immunisation programme
Following the recent media coverage about the death of a young girl from invasive meningococcal disease caused by Men B, many practices have had queries from parents about availability of Men B immunisation. I’m writing to confirm the national position, and respond to some of the questions that have been asked.
This information is taken from Public Health England publications and the GOV.UK website
- Information for parents – please direct parents to NHS Choices or the GOV.UK website
There is general information about MenB immunisation on the NHS Choices website:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/meningitis-b-vaccine.aspx
What is the national policy for Men B immunisation?
The Men B immunisation programme started on 1 September 2015 for babies aged 2 months, i.e. babies born on or after 1 July 2015. There was a limited catch-up programme for babies born on or after 1 May 2015. The routine schedule is for immunisation to be given at 2 and 4 months with the primaries, with a booster at 12 months.
Delivery of the Men B immunisation programme in our locality is in line with national policy.
Can I vaccinate children born before 1 May 2015 if parents request it?
No. The national stock of Bexsero® should only be used to vaccinate children who are eligible for NHS vaccination.
Can I vaccinate children born on or after 1 May 2015 who have not yet been vaccinated?
Yes. All children in the eligible cohort (i.e. born on or after 1 May 2015) remain eligible for Men B immunisation until the age of two years. When Bexsero® has not been given as part of a primary course, give two doses at least two months apart. Those children who have received one dose before their first birthday only require one more dose.