Guidance

MenB vaccine and paracetamol

Information about the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine and paracetamol use.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
22 July 2015
Last updated
23 June 2025 鈥� See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Using paracetamol to prevent and treat fever after MenB vaccination

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Details

Information for healthcare professionals and parents on the increased risk of fever when the MenB vaccine is given alongside other immunisations at 8 and 12 weeks of age and the recommended use of prophylactic paracetamol.

Using paracetamol to prevent and treat fever after MenB vaccination

The advice on the use of paracetamol following MenB vaccination differs to previous advice on the use of paracetamol for post-vaccination fever which may still appear on infant paracetamol product packaging.

To avoid confusion, we have produced a patient information leaflet detailing advice on paracetamol dosage and timings and addressing frequently asked questions. Every parent or guardian should be given a copy at the 8 week immunisation appointment.

Paper copies of this leaflet in .

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Immunisation Publications
UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale
London
NW9 5EQ

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Updates to this page

Published 22 July 2015
Last updated 23 June 2025

  1. Updated to reflect the change in timing of MenB doses to 8 and 12 weeks of age in line with the changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme from 1 July 2025

  2. Added links to translations.

  3. Removed 'Protocol for the supply or administration of paracetamol oral suspension 120mg/5mL to infants under 12 months of age receiving primary doses of MenB vaccination' as it has expired.

  4. Added 'Protocol for the supply or administration of paracetamol oral suspension 120mg/5mL to infants under 12 months of age receiving primary doses of MenB vaccination'.

  5. Update to 'Using paracetamol to prevent and treat fever after MenB vaccination' document with additional questions and answers.

  6. Added Oxford Vaccine Group mock video consultation on using paracetamol following MenB vaccination.

  7. Added MenB paracetamol protocol

  8. First published.

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