Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B disease (MenB) through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year. Please note, vaccines will be given through community pharmacy and not through your GP surgery.
Eligible students will be offered a two-dose vaccination before they start university, where close and prolonged contact in halls and at social events can increase the risk of contracting MenB disease. Two doses of the vaccine are essential for protection.
Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them. This can be through kissing or sharing drinks or vapes or close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
The MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK. While the response to that incident has concluded, there have also been more clusters than normal this year, some of which have been bigger than expected.
UKHSA data shows there were 313 confirmed cases of Meningococcal Group B (MenB) in England during 2024/25, which accounts for approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases, disproportionately affecting young adults and teenagers, as well as infants who are already offered the vaccine through the NHS schedule.
This one-off vaccination programme will help to protect those at highest immediate risk while the government monitors and assesses new evidence to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout response is required. Again, vaccines will be given through community pharmacy and not through your GP surgery.
Those eligible will be:
- All current year 13’s
- Anyone either starting university as an undergraduate student or, moving into further education halls for the first time in autumn 2026 aged under 25.
The important details you need to know:
- Eligible students will need two doses for protection, with the first being offered from July with second dose given in August.
- International students under 25 entering their first year of university, should receive their first dose in their home country where possible.
- Vaccines will be offered through community pharmacies and are not being given through GP surgeries.
You can find more information regarding this on the Government Website
