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MENINGITIS B (MenB) VACCINE

The meningitis B vaccine was introduced in September 2015 for babies. Most people in the UK who were born before 1 July 2015 have not had this vaccine.

This vaccine can only be given in the NHS to babies under age 2. If you are concerned that your child has not had this vaccine and they are under 2 years old, then please check the red book or with the practice and we can make a nurse appointment if they have missed it. 

This is not possible for adults or children after their first birthday 

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is given in school in year 9 and cannot be given earlier than this. If you are a young adult and you have missed this it can be given in the practice up to your 25th birthday

It cannot be given after that except privately for travel reasons only

This vaccine may not appear of your GP records but you may have an email from the school if your child was given it in year 9 usually at the same time as DTP. 

The vaccination schedules are national guidelines and cannot be adjusted locally or by the practice for indiviuals

Important changes to the UK childhood immunisation schedule

There have been recent changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. These updates are designed to better protect children from serious diseases and to protect vulnerable people within families and the wider community.

Measles Risk in Southwark

There is a real risk of measles outbreaks in London, with regular cases occurring locally. Because of this risk, for many years children in Southwark have been offered a measles-containing vaccine at 12 months and 18 months.

Measles is a serious illness and can cause long-term complications, particularly in babies and young children.

Introduction of the MMRV Vaccine

The vaccines given at 12 months and 18 months is now called MMRV. The MMRV vaccine protects against:

  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

It is very important that your child receives two measles-containing vaccines before the age of 2 years. These will now be given as MMRV at the ages listed above, or later if your child has not previously received them. The MMR vaccine is no long available for children. 

If Your Child Has Already Had a Chickenpox Vaccine

If your child has previously received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine once or twice, it is completely safe for them to also receive the MMRV vaccine. This is the vaccine they will be offered.

Additional Vaccine at 18 Months (From July 2024)

For children born on or after 1 July 2024, there is now an additional vaccine at 18 months. This is the same vaccine given before 6 months of age and protects against:

  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis B
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Hib

This extra dose has been added to:

  • Strengthen children’s immunity
  • Help prevent the spread of serious diseases
  • Support efforts to eradicate these illnesses from the community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the MMRV vaccine safe?

Yes. The MMRV vaccine is safe and has been widely used to protect children from serious illnesses.

2. What if my child has already had the chickenpox vaccine?
Your child can still safely have the MMRV vaccine, even if they have had one or two chickenpox vaccines before.

3. Why does my child need two measles vaccines?

Two doses give the best protection. Having both doses before age 2 greatly reduces the risk of measles and serious complications.

4. What if my child missed a vaccine?

Your child can still receive the MMRV vaccine later if they missed it at 12 or 18 months.