MenB is a serious bacterial infection. It can cause meningitis and blood poisoning, also called septicaemia. Although MenB is rare, it can become life threatening very quickly. It can sometimes cause permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss. In some cases, it can lead to death.

The bacteria that cause MenB can spread through close contact with someone who is infected. This can include kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or spending a lot of time close together, such as living in the same household.

Students can be more at risk because they often live, study and socialise closely with lots of other people, especially in university or halls of residence.

Following a rise in MenB cases this year, the NHS is offering a two-dose MenB vaccine to some young people for a limited time. The vaccine helps protect you from MenB infection.

You can get the vaccine if you are:

• a young person who has just finished Year 13 at school or college and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, whatever you plan to do after college
• under 25 years old and starting higher education for the first time in September 2026, including new international students attending university in England

Postgraduate students and people starting their second year, or a later year, are not included in this offer.

Not sure if you are eligible? Check the NHS website or speak to your GP practice, or local pharmacy. You can also contact your university or college

The MenB vaccination programme runs from 20 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.

If you are eligible, you will need two doses of the vaccine. The two doses must be at least four weeks apart.

The first dose is available from 20 July to 31 December 2026.

The second dose is available from 1 August 2026 to 31 March 2027.

If you are eligible, you may be contacted in different ways:

• Year 13 leavers may be contacted through the NHS App, text message, email or letter, depending on the records held by the NHS.
• New undergraduate students, including new international students, may be contacted by UCAS or their university.

The vaccine is available from community pharmacies only.

You can get the vaccine by:

• booking through the NHS national booking system
• going to a participating walk-in clinic
• going to a pop-up vaccination clinic

Symptoms of MenB can appear suddenly. They can include:

• a high temperature or fever
• very cold hands and feet
• a stiff neck
• joint or muscle pain
• a severe headache that is getting worse
• eye pain when looking at bright lights
• seizures
• being sick or having diarrhoea
• confusion
• very sleepy or difficult to wake
• spots or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass