Free NHS MenB Vaccine in Bow, East London
Parnell Pharmacy is proud to offer the free NHS MenB (meningococcal B) vaccination at our pharmacy on the historic Roman Road in Bow (E3). This is part of a new, one-off NHS programme protecting Year 13 school leavers and under-25s who are starting university or residential college this autumn against meningitis B, a rare but serious infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (sepsis).
No GP referral is needed, appointments are quick and convenient, and we are right on your doorstep in the heart of East London. If you are eligible, both of your doses are completely free of charge.
What is the MenB vaccine?
MenB is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK. These infections can develop very quickly and can be life-threatening, so vaccination is the best way to protect yourself before you start university or move into shared accommodation.
The NHS programme uses Bexsero, a well-established MenB vaccine that is also given to babies as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. You need two doses for full protection.
Who can get the free NHS MenB vaccine?
The NHS MenB vaccine is a time-limited programme for autumn 2026. You can get it free of charge at Parnell Pharmacy if either of the following applies to you:
- You were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (the Year 13 age group). This is offered to everyone in this age group, whatever your plans after school.
- You were born on or after 21 July 2001 (under 25) and, for the first time this autumn, you are starting university as an undergraduate, or moving into residential further education accommodation. This includes international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study.
You do not need to be registered with a GP to get your MenB vaccine at our pharmacy.
You may not need the vaccine right now if you have already completed a two-dose course of Bexsero within the last five years, but let us know and we will advise you.
Because this is an NHS-funded service, we are required to confirm your eligibility before vaccinating you.
Why the MenB vaccine matters, especially for students
After early childhood, the highest number of meningococcal cases are seen in older teenagers and young adults. First-year university students are at a notably higher risk than others their age, because close and prolonged contact in halls of residence and at social events makes it easier for the bacteria to spread.
The vaccine was introduced this year following MenB outbreaks in several parts of England. Getting protected before you move away from home means you are covered before cases typically rise in the autumn term.
Important: if you had the MenACWY vaccine at school, you are still not protected against MenB. MenACWY covers meningitis groups A, C, W and Y. It does not cover group B, so ideally you should be up to date with both.
Two doses: leave enough time before term starts
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine, with the second dose given at least four weeks (28 days) after the first. It then takes around a further two weeks to build good protection, so the whole course takes roughly six weeks from start to finish.
If you are heading to university this autumn, do not wait. Book your first dose as early as you can so you can complete both doses before you leave home.
Under the current NHS programme:
- First doses are available until 31 December 2026.
- Second doses are available until 31 March 2027.
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How to book your MenB vaccine at Parnell Pharmacy
Booking is easy:
- Book online through the NHS App or NHS website by finding a participating pharmacy, or
- Call us on 020 8980 3376, or
- Pop in to see us at 625-627 Roman Road, Bow, E3 2RN.
Our friendly, GPhC-registered pharmacy team will talk you through everything and get you protected in minutes. If you would like both appointments in the diary, we can book your second dose at the same time.
Getting here: your local pharmacy for the MenB vaccine in Bow
You will find Parnell Pharmacy on the historic Roman Road in Bow (E3), easy to reach whether you live locally or study nearby. If you are moving into halls this autumn, including at Queen Mary University of London (Mile End) just up the road, or the University of East London (Stratford and Docklands), we are a short journey away, so you can get vaccinated close to campus.
We welcome patients from across East London, including Bow, Mile End, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Stepney Green, Poplar, Stratford, Bromley-by-Bow, Hackney Wick, Victoria Park and Canary Wharf. Everyone is welcome, wherever you live.
Yes. If you are in one of the eligible groups (Year 13 age group, or an under-25 starting university or residential college for the first time this autumn), both doses are completely free at Parnell Pharmacy.
No. You can get your MenB vaccine at our pharmacy without being registered with a GP.
Two. Your second dose should be given at least four weeks after your first, and it takes about two more weeks to build full protection.
Yes. The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningitis groups A, C, W and Y, but not group B. The two vaccines protect against different strains, so you still need MenB if you are eligible.
It protects against most (but not all) strains of meningococcal group B bacteria, a major cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) in the UK.
Visit Our Pharmacy in Bow (E3), East London
- Parnell Pharmacy
- Parnell Pharmacy, 625-627 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 2RN
- 02089803376
- parnell.pharmacy@nhs.net
Quick Links
Pharmacy Info
- GPhC Registration Number : 1040022
- Limited Company Registration No : 07326838
- Superintendent Pharmacist: Shayem Siddiqui
Reach Us
- Name: Parnell Pharmacy
- 625–627 Roman Road, Bow, East London, E3 2RN
- parnell.pharmacy@nhs.net
- 02089803376
Working Hours
- Monday - Friday : 09:00am – 07:00pm
- Saturday : 09:00am - 06:00pm
- Sunday and bank holidays Closed
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Quick Links
Pharmacy Info
- GPhC Registration Number : 1040022
- Limited Company Registration No : 07326838
- Superintendent pharmacist : Shayem Siddiqui
Reach Us
- Name: Parnell Pharmacy
- Parnell Pharmacy, 625-627 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 2RN
- parnell.pharmacy@nhs.net
- 02089803376
Working Hours
- Monday - Friday : 09:00am – 07:00pm
- Saturday : 09:00am - 06:00pm
- Sunday and bank holidays Closed