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Meningococcal disease
To date, 3 students resident in Reading have been diagnosed in the past week with meningitis or sepsis likely to be caused by meningococcal bacteria. The age range of cases so far is 14-18 years.
The MenB vaccine is not routinely offered on the NHS for older children, teenagers or adults unless they fall into a specific high‑risk medical group or are part of a targeted outbreak response. The routine NHS schedule currently includes MenB only for babies, and for individuals with certain medical conditions that increase their risk.
The MenACWY vaccine, which is given in school Years 9–10 by the School Age Immunisation team, protects against four other meningococcal strains (A, C, W and Y), but it does not protect against MenB. This is why some families choose to seek MenB vaccination privately.
If you or your child are not eligible for MenB vaccination on the NHS, you can still access it privately. There are private providers offering MenB vaccination locally in Oxfordshire.
If you would like to check your child’s vaccination history, you can do this via their Red Book or the NHS App. We can also check their records through our clinical system if needed.
If you are not eligible on the NHS, you can still access the MenB vaccine privately in Oxfordshire. Local private providers include:
- Wheatley Pharmacy, Oxford – offers Bexsero and Trumenba MenB vaccines, approx. £110 per dose .
- Faringdon Pharmacy, Oxfordshire – offers private MenB vaccination with online booking available .
- Allied Pharmacies (various locations) – provides private MenB vaccination for anyone who wishes to be protected .
Published: May 18, 2026
