At The Oakley Medical Practice, keeping your children healthy is our top priority. One way we do this is by protecting them from serious illnesses such as meningitis group B. 

Understanding the importance and effectiveness of the vaccine, means you can ensure your child’s health and protection against it.  

What is Meningitis Group B? 

Meningitis Group B, also known as meningococcal group B or MenB, is a serious infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria Meningititis. The bacteria can lead to two major types of infections: 

  • Meningitis: An infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. 
  • Septicemia: An infection of the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis. 

Meningitis Group B can rapidly progress if left untreated, leading to severe health complications. 

Symptoms of Meningitis

Recognising the symptoms of meningitis in children is important for early intervention. Common symptoms include: 

  • Fever: Often a high and persistent fever.
  • Stiffness: Difficulty moving the neck or body due to stiffness. 
  • Rash that doesn’t disappear under a glass: A distinctive rash that remains visible when pressed with a glass tumbler. 
  • Confusion: Children may become confused or become more irritable.   

Symptoms of Septicemia 

Septicemia can present with a different set of symptoms.

  • High temperature: A sudden and high temperature.
  • Extreme tiredness: Your child might become tired more than usual.
  • Shivering and chills: These symptoms might appear with a fever.
  • Pale skin: Their skin may ap[ear unusually pale.
  • Pinprick bruises: Tiny red or purple spots that may look like pinpricks.
  • Large purple areas on the skin: Larger areas of bruising or purple patches on the skin.

Why is the MenB Vaccine Important? 

The MenB vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing infection caused by meningitis group B. In the last 10 years, around 90% of meningitis cases were caused by this group.

Contracting meningitis group B is high among young children and university students. The vaccination is not only important for your child’s protection but can also help reduce the spread with peers.  

Meningitis Group B Vaccine for Children

The risk of contracting MenB varies across different age groups. Young children under the age of one are one of the most vulnerable due to their weak immune systems. Your child will be offered three MenB vaccines at: 

  • 8 weeks old: The first dose. 
  • 16 weeks old: The second dose.
  • 1 years old: The third dose. 

All children should have the MenB vaccine, they only reasons they wouldn’t be able to is if they:

  • Had a serious allergic reaction to a their previous MenB vaccine
  • Have a serious allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine. 

Meningitis Group B Vaccine for University Students

University students, especially those living in dormitories, are at an increased risk of Menb. The vaccination is recommended to protect against outbreaks in these settings. Most universities in the UK ask that students are fully vaccinated before coming to campus.

A study has shown that one in eight students are unprotected. This increases the risk of students getting meningitis and the spread of it. You should ensure your child is up to date with all vaccinations before they go to university. 

What Does the MenB Vaccine Protect Against?

The MenB vaccine is designed to protect against the infection caused by the Neisseria Meningitidis bacteria of the group B strain. By vaccinating your child against MenB, you can reduce the risk of meningitis and septicemia caused by the bacteria.

MenB Vaccine Side Effects

With all vaccines, the MenB vaccine may cause mild side effects in some children. SOme common side effects your child might experience are: 

  • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site 
  • Mild fever
  • Irritability 

These side effects normally go away on their own within a few days. If you have any worries or concerns, talk to your nurse or doctor who will be able to help you. 

MenB Vaccines are Available at Oakley Medical Practice

The MenB vaccine is a great way to protect your child against the effects of meningitis and septicemia. Here at Oakley Medical Practice, we are committed to providing the best care and information to keep you and your family safe. If you have any concerns or questions about the MenB vaccine, please get in touch. 

Stay informed, stay protected and ensure your child’s health with the MenB vaccine. For more information or to schedule a vaccination, visit the Oakley Medical Practice. Our team of expert nurses and doctors are always on hand to help.