Meningitis B Vaccination at Exwick Pharmacy in Exeter
Meningitis B (Men B) is caused by meningococcal group B bacteria and can lead to serious illness, including meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The Men B vaccine is designed to help protect against these strains of the bacteria.
Exwick Pharmacy offers free NHS Meningitis B vaccination to eligible people, including infants on the routine immunisation schedule, those with certain high-risk medical conditions, and as part of a new NHS catch-up programme running from summer 2026 eligible young people and students who missed the vaccine as infants.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for the free NHS vaccine, our pharmacy team can check your eligibility with you, as part of a short consultation.
Who Is Eligible For Free NHS Meningitis B Vaccination?
You may be eligible for a free Men B vaccine at Exwick Pharmacy if you are:
- A baby or young child on the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule (doses given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 1 year)
- Living with certain medical conditions that increase your risk of meningococcal disease (for example, if you don’t have a working spleen, or have a complement disorder) eligible at any age
- In Year 13 (England), born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, or the equivalent final-year school student in Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Under 25 and starting university, college, or further education halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026
This is part of a new, one-off NHS catch-up programme launched in response to rising cases among teenagers and young people, since routine childhood Men B vaccination only began in 2015 meaning many older teenagers and young adults have never been vaccinated against it.
If you don’t fall into one of the groups above, you may still be able to have the vaccine privately please ask our team for details.
Whether you’re eligible will always be confirmed with you directly during your appointment, based on your age, circumstances, and vaccination history.
How Does the Service Work?
- Check your eligibility — book a consultation online or in branch, or ask our team to confirm whether you qualify for the free NHS vaccine.
- Speak with our pharmacist, who will ask about your medical history, any allergies, and current medications before your vaccination.
- Receive your first dose, administered by a trained member of our pharmacy team.
- Book your second dose — most people need two doses, given at least 28 days apart, to be fully protected.
Appointments typically take around 15–20 minutes, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Safety Information
As with all vaccines, Men B vaccination is not suitable for everyone, and side effects can occur. Common side effects may include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- A raised temperature (fever), particularly in younger children
- Tiredness, headache, or muscle aches
- Irritability in infants
Most side effects are mild and pass within a few days. Our pharmacist will explain what to look out for and when to seek further advice.
You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose, or to any ingredient in the vaccine
- Currently have a high temperature or acute illness (vaccination may need to be postponed)
This is not a complete list of contraindications or side effects. A full assessment will be carried out during your consultation, and you’ll be given the Patient Information Leaflet for the vaccine used. If you have any concerns following vaccination, please contact us, your GP, or NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, always call 999.
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Our Pharmacy in Exeter
- Exwick Pharmacy
- New Valley Road, Exwick, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2AD
- exwickpharmacy@gmail.com
- +44 1392 221272
Frequently Asked Question
What is Meningitis B?
Meningitis B is caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, which can lead to meningitis and septicaemia. These conditions can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening, which is why vaccination is recommended for at-risk groups.
Is the Men B vaccine free at Exwick Pharmacy?
Yes, for people who meet NHS eligibility criteria including infants, people with certain medical conditions, and eligible young people and students under the 2026 catch-up programme. If you’re not eligible, private vaccination may still be available please ask our team.
How many doses will I need?
Most people need two doses, given at least 28 days apart, to be fully protected. Our pharmacist will confirm a suitable schedule for you.
Are there any side effects?
As with all vaccines, side effects are possible, most commonly soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or a mild fever. Serious reactions are rare. Full details will be discussed at your appointment.
How do I know if I'm eligible for the free NHS vaccine?
Our pharmacist can confirm your eligibility during a short consultation, based on your age, year group, or university/college start date. You may be asked to bring proof, such as an offer letter from your university or college.
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Pharmacy Info
- GPhC Registration Number: 2211565
- Limited Company Registration No: 9101478
- Superintendent pharmacist: Swapnkumar Mukeshbhai Patel
Contact Info
- Name: Exwick Pharmacy
- exwickpharmacy@gmail.com
- +44 1392 221272
- New Valley Road, Exwick, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2AD
Working Hours
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Monday - Friday:
8:30am to 6pm -
Saturday - Sunday:
Closed