Understanding Meningitis B: symptoms, spread and vaccination
Whilst relatively rare, meningitis is a serious condition that everyone should be aware of.
Meningitis B or MenB is a type of bacterial meningitis. It is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, otherwise known as the meningococcus.
Meningococcus bacteria can live harmlessly in people’s throats but can cause serious illness if they get into the blood or spinal fluid.
With cases in the UK continuing to affect young people, understanding MenB along with its symptoms, transmission, treatment and vaccination is more important than ever.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges).
It can affect anyone, but it is most common in:
- Babies and young children
- Teenagers
- Young adults
There are two main types of meningitis:
- Viral meningitis – more common and usually less severe
- Bacterial meningitis – rarer, but potentially life-threatening and requiring urgent treatment
Bacterial meningitis can cause life-threatening sepsis, which is the immune system overreacting to an infection, and can result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Recognising the symptoms of MenB
Symptoms of meningitis B and sepsis can appear suddenly and worsen quickly.
According to the NHS, key symptoms include:
- High temperature (fever)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures (fits)
- A rash that does not fade under pressure (though not always present)
Symptoms of MenB can appear in any order and not all symptoms appear. If meningitis is suspected, urgent medical attention is critical. The NHS advises that you trust your instincts and do not wait.
How MenB spreads
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis are spread through close contact. The methods of transmission include:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Kissing
- Sharing drinks or utensils
According to the NHS, meningitis is usually spread by people who carry the viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.
It is less common for the infection to be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is possible.
How meningitis is treated
Meningitis is always taken seriously. Hospital treatment is recommended in all cases of bacterial meningitis due to the risk of severe complications and the need for close monitoring.
Severe cases of viral meningitis may also require hospital care.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics given directly into a vein, along with fluids to prevent dehydration.
If breathing is affected, oxygen may be provided through a face mask, and in some cases, steroid medication is used to reduce swelling around the brain.
Patients may need to stay in hospital for a few days, and in certain cases treatment may be needed for several weeks.
Why students and young people are at higher risk of MenB
Young people who move away from home for university or college are at increased risk. This is due to several factors associated with their lifestyle, including:
- Close living environments (e.g. halls of residence)
- Increased social mixing
- Exposure to new groups of people
It is crucial that young people are aware of the symptoms of MenB so that urgent action can be taken to protect themselves and those within their friendship group.
Meningitis B in the public eye
MenB is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK. Data published in November 2025 by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that MenB accounted for 82.6% of all cases.
Whilst the MenB vaccine has been part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule since 2015, it is routinely offered to babies, not teenagers, therefore, many older teens and university students have not received a vaccine unless they have paid to receive one privately.
The charity, Meningitis Now, continues to campaign for the MenB vaccine to be routinely offered to teenagers and young people on the NHS.
On 17th March 2026, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announced that he will be asking the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines, he said:
“On the question of wider eligibility, we obviously follow the expert independent advice of the JCVI. In light of this latest outbreak, I will be asking them to re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines. I will do so without prejudicing their decision because we have to follow the clinical advice on this.”
Meningitis vaccinations
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of meningitis.
The NHS vaccines for meningitis include:
- MenACWY vaccine – protects against meningitis A, C, W and Y
- Offered to teenagers of 14 years and first-time university students
- MenB vaccine – protects against meningitis B
- Offered to babies as part of the childhood vaccination schedule
How Hannah London can help
We currently offer vaccination against meningitis A, C, W and Y (the MenACWY vaccine).
We are also actively working towards offering MenB vaccination, to provide broader protection against the most prevalent strain affecting young people today. We will of course keep our patients updated on this.
To book your appointment, please contact us.
