Meningitis ACWY and meningitis B vaccines protect against different groups of meningococcal bacteria, so having one does not mean you are protected against the other. Understanding meningitis B and ACWY separately helps you work out whether you, or your child, need one, both, or neither.
What Are the Different Meningitis Vaccine Types?
There are several meningitis vaccines used in the UK, each designed to protect against different types of bacteria that can cause meningitis or septicaemia.
For teenagers and young adults, the two vaccines you’ll hear about most often are MenACWY and MenB. MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, while MenB protects against group B, which is currently the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. (NHS, Meningitis vaccination)
So, although both vaccines help protect against meningococcal disease, they aren’t interchangeable.
Meningitis ACWY vs Meningitis B: Key Differences
The main difference is which meningococcal groups each vaccine targets and who routinely receives it on the NHS.
| Feature | MenACWY Vaccine | MenB Vaccine |
| Protects against | Groups A, C, W and Y | Group B |
| Routine NHS schedule | Year 9 or 10 at school | Babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year |
| Free NHS catch-up | Yes, up to age 25 for new university entrants | Only via the 2026 one-off programme (Year 13s and new university entrants), or if medically at risk |
| Doses for older teens and adults | One dose | Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart |
| Relevant for travel | Yes, including Hajj and Umrah | Not typically travel-related |
Benefits of Getting Both the Meningitis ACWY and B Vaccines
Since the two vaccines cover different meningococcal groups, having both provides broader protection than having either vaccine alone.
Having both vaccines can provide:
- Protection against five of the main meningococcal groups affecting the UK.
- Reduced risk of serious illness during the highest-risk teenage and young adult years.
- Extra reassurance for students moving into shared accommodation.
- Suitability for travel to regions where meningitis risk is higher.
How to Get the Meningitis ACWY or MenB Vaccine
MenACWY is offered routinely through school and NHS catch-up programmes, while MenB, on the other hand, is routinely free on the NHS only for babies, though a separate one-off programme now also offers it to eligible Year 13 students and new university entrants. Outside these groups, MenB is usually a private vaccination.
Who Needs the MenACWY Vaccine?
Anyone in Year 9 or 10, university entrants under 25 who missed their school dose, and travellers heading to high-risk regions or Hajj and Umrah should consider MenACWY vaccination.
Who Needs the MenB Vaccine?
Teenagers born before 1 May 2015 will not have had MenB on the NHS. A new, one-off programme now offers free MenB vaccination to Year 13 students and under-25s starting university this autumn, running until March 2027. Others can choose private vaccination.
Planning Ahead? Check Your Meningitis Vaccinations
If you’re heading to university, planning a trip abroad or simply want to make sure your meningitis vaccinations are up to date, Townsend Pharmacy is here to help. We offer the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Dorking, Tadworth and surrounding areas, with friendly pharmacists who can check your vaccination history and talk you through your options.
Book your appointment today and get the advice and protection you need before you travel or start university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the meningitis ACWY and meningitis B vaccines?
MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, while MenB protects against group B. They target different bacteria, so having one does not cover you for the other.
Do I need both the MenACWY and MenB vaccines?
Many people benefit from having both, since they protect against different meningococcal groups. A pharmacist can review your vaccination history and advise what you may still need.
Is the MenB vaccine available on the NHS for teenagers?
Only through a new, time-limited programme. As of 2026, MenB is free on the NHS for babies and for eligible Year 13 students and new university entrants under a one-off catch-up scheme. Other teenagers and adults usually need to book it privately.
Who needs the MenACWY vaccine?
Teenagers in Year 9 or 10, university entrants under 25 who missed their school dose, and travellers to high-risk regions or Hajj and Umrah are commonly advised to have it.
Can I get the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Dorking or Tadworth?
Yes. Townsend Pharmacy offers the meningitis ACWY vaccine in Dorking, Tadworth and nearby areas, with appointments available to book online.
How many doses of the MenB vaccine do adults need?
Older teenagers and adults usually need two doses, given at least four weeks apart, for the best protection.