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The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). While uncommon, these infections can develop quickly and become life-threatening.

The MenB vaccination programme is available to:

  • Young people aged 17 to 18 who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
  • Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time this autumn.
  • Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting some residential further education courses for the first time this autumn.

How to access the MenB vaccine

Appointments are available through participating community pharmacies across Gloucestershire.

You must book your appointment in advance through the NHS National Booking Service. You can:

The MenB vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart.

If appointments are not immediately available, please check the booking system regularly as more appointments will be added.

COVID-19 vaccinations are not currently available.

Spring COVID-19 vaccinations have ended.

The NHS will contact you later this year if you’re eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine.

Additional COVID-19 vaccinations for people with a severely weakened immune system

If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may need additional protection outside of the seasonal vaccination programme.

If you are eligible your GP and/or Specialist doctor will discuss this with you and refer you for vaccination if you choose to take up the offer. If you believe you’re eligible but have not been referred please discuss with your GP or specialist.

Resources

COVID vaccines on the NHS website.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung conditions.

From 1 September 2024, the NHS in Gloucestershire will be rolling out a new vaccination programme to protect those most vulnerable from RSV.

  • Adults will be invited for the vaccine by their GP practice when they turn 75.
  • GP practices will be running a ‘catch up’ programme for adults already aged 75-79. Those eligible will receive an invite to book, there is no need to call your GP practice at this time.
  • Women will also be eligible for the vaccine when pregnant (between 28 and 36 weeks). This will be offered by a midwife, though you may also be able to get it from your GP practice.

Resources

There are several vaccinations that pregnant women should consider having to protect themselves and their baby.

 

What When Where

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

 

Adacel vaccine (Pertussis, Diptheria and Tetanus)

 From 16 weeks of pregnancy, and ideally before 32 weeks.  Vaccine offered year-round

GP practice

Antenatal clinics
RSV From 28 weeks of pregnancy, as close to this date as possible. Vaccine offered year-round

Antenatal clinic

 

 
Flu Any time during pregnancy -vaccine offered September to March

GP practice

Antenatal clinics

Community pharmacy

 

 

 

Getting your vaccines at antenatal clinics

Vaccines are available at the antenatal clinics at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital or Cheltenham General Hospital. Women can get vaccines whilst at the antenatal clinic for a scan or appointment, or call to ask when best to drop in.

Call the antenatal clinics on:

  • Cheltenham – 0300 422 2346 or 0300 422 2347
  • Gloucester – 0300 422 6103 or 0300 422 5120 / 5127

More information

Pregnancy: how to help protect you and your baby – GOV.UK

Vaccinations in pregnancy – NHS