Thousands of eligible Year 13 students and young people preparing to start university or residential further education this autumn are being offered a free two-dose MenB vaccine.
- One off MenB vaccination programme to protect all year 13 pupils (born 1st September 2007 – 31st August 2008), and those under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn, from Meningitis B (MenB).
- Eligible students will need two vaccinations at least 4 weeks apart for protection.The first dose is available from 20th July until 31st December 2026, and the second dose is available from 1st August until 31st March 2027
Following a rise in meningococcal B (MenB) cases this year, NHS Greater Manchester is urging the parents and carers of more than 45,000 eligible teenagers and young people across the city-region to accept the offer of a two-dose MenB jab to keep them protected from the disease.
Running from Monday 20th July 2026 until Wednesday 31st March 2027, the initiative is part of a one-off national vaccination programme launching before students start university – where close and prolonged contact in halls of residence and at social events can increase the risk of contracting MenB.
What is MenB?
Meningococcal disease is serious and potentially life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage – even leading to death in around 10% of cases.
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them. Close contact including kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or simply being in close contact with someone carrying the bacteria for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
Which is why students in universities and further education halls of residence are particularly at risk of catching the disease. There are different types of Meningitis, with Meningitis B being a rare but dangerous strain.
Symptoms of MenB appear suddenly and include:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Very cold hands and feet
- A stiff neck
- Joint and muscle pain
- A severe headache that is getting worse
- Eye pain when looking at bright lights
- Seizures
- Sickness and diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- Spots or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
MenB Outbreaks
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England during 2024 to 2025, which accounts for approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases, largely affecting young adults and teenagers, as well as infants who are already offered the vaccine through the NHS vaccination schedule.
The MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK. In addition, there has been more clusters of MenB cases than normal in other parts of the country this year, some of which have been bigger than expected when compared to previous years.
MenB Vaccination
The MenB vaccine has an established safety record and is already offered routinely to infants through the NHS childhood vaccination programme. Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows that vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in MenB disease among eligible vaccinated groups.
This new one-off MenB vaccination programme will make the MenB vaccination available to:
- Year 13 school leavers born 1st September 2007-31st August 2008 regardless of what they intend to do after leaving college/education
- New undergraduates under 25 years old, starting higher education for the first time in autumn 2026 (including new international students attending university in England)
- New Further Education students under 25 years old, who are going to be living in further education halls or accommodation for the first time in August
Postgraduates or those starting a second year (or later) will not be covered by this offer.
Those eligible in year 13 will be contacted directly through the NHS App, text, email or letter depending on records held by the health service. New undergraduates including new international students will be contacted by UCAS or their university.
Dr Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester said: “Meningococcal B disease is a rare but very serious infection which is fatal in up to 10% of cases and can cause life-long injury.
“While outbreaks are uncommon, recent outbreaks show that when they do occur, they can be devastating.
“The risk is higher amongst young people starting university where close and prolonged contact with lots of new people increases the chances of being exposed to the meningococcal bacteria.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against becoming seriously unwell from meningitis, that’s why we are urging parents and carers to ensure their eligible young people book appointments for their MenB vaccines as soon as possible and to get both doses to ensure maximum protection. Whilst vaccination prevents many infections, it is also important that young people and their families continue to be aware of symptoms of meningitis – seeking urgent medical help if they are concerned.
“And remember, by getting two doses you’re not only protecting yourself from MenB, you’re also saving the lives of your friends and everyone around you.”
The MenB vaccination programme is running from Monday 20th July 2026 to Wednesday 31st March 2027. Those eligible will need two doses at least four weeks apart. The first dose is available from 20th July until 31st December 2026, and the second dose is available from 1st August until 31st March 2027.
The MenB vaccine can be booked through the online national booking system, as well as at walk-in and pop-up clinics. To find your nearest participating pharmacy, visit the Find a pharmacy that offers MenB vaccinations for young people page on the NHS website. You can then book a MenB vaccination appointment online.
For more information about meningitis visit the NHS website
If you think you or a loved one has meningitis get medical help call 999. Do not drive yourself to A&E.
