A new, time-limited NHS vaccination programme is being launched this summer to help protect eligible young people against meningococcal group B (MenB) disease before they begin university or move into residential further education accommodation.
The programme has been introduced following recent meningitis outbreaks while the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) completes a full review of the evidence.
Who can get the MenB vaccine?
The temporary programme is available across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
In England, eligibility includes:
- Young people aged 17 or 18, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, who are registered with a GP surgery in England.
- First-year undergraduate students, born on or after 21 July 2001, who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- Students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and will be living in residential further education accommodation.
The offer also includes eligible international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who will be studying in England, as well as eligible students travelling abroad to study.
Anyone who has completed a full MenB vaccination course within the last five years does not need another vaccination under this programme.
How to get vaccinated
How you receive the vaccine depends on your eligibility.
Young people aged 17 or 18 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) who are registered with a GP in England can book their appointment online now. First-dose appointments begin from 20 July 2026.
Eligible students under the age of 25, born on or after 21 July 2001, who are starting university or moving into eligible residential further education accommodation for the first time this autumn can receive their vaccine at participating pharmacies from 20 July 2026. GP registration is not required to use the pharmacy service.
Two doses are needed for full protection
The MenB vaccine requires two doses, given at least 28 days apart. The first dose will be available from 20 July, with second doses starting in August 2026.
After the second vaccination, it takes around two additional weeks for the body to develop a strong immune response. Overall, protection takes approximately six weeks from the first dose, making it important for eligible young people to begin the course as early as possible before the autumn term.
Vaccination timetable
The programme will run throughout summer 2026 to give eligible students enough time to complete both doses before meningococcal disease cases typically increase during the autumn.
- First-dose appointments will be available until 31 December 2026.
- Second doses can be received until 31 March 2027.
Eligible young people are encouraged to complete both doses as soon as possible and ensure all other routine vaccinations are also up to date.
Why is the MenB vaccine important?
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia, which may lead to sepsis and can become life-threatening.
Living with large groups of people in shared accommodation, such as university halls, increases the risk of meningococcal bacteria spreading. Receiving both doses of the MenB vaccine before the autumn term is one of the most effective ways for eligible students to reduce their risk.
Many eligible young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine during secondary school. While this vaccine protects against other meningococcal strains, it does not provide protection against MenB disease, making the MenB vaccine an important additional safeguard.
Why is this a targeted programme?
This is a one-off, time-limited vaccination programme aimed at those considered to be at greatest risk.
Data collected over the past five years shows that, after infancy, the highest number of invasive meningococcal disease cases occurs among 18- and 19-year-olds. First-year university students have an estimated risk around seven times higher than people of the same age who do not attend university.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common reactions include:
- Fever
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
These symptoms usually settle within one or two days. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol, can help manage discomfort. Serious side effects are uncommon.
How effective is the vaccine?
The MenB vaccine protects against most, although not all, strains of MenB responsible for disease in the UK. It has been part of the routine UK infant immunisation programme since 2015 and studies have shown around a 75% reduction in MenB disease among vaccinated babies.
The vaccine has undergone extensive safety testing and meets strict UK safety standards.
Although highly effective, it does not protect against every cause of meningitis, septicaemia or every strain of meningococcal bacteria. It remains important to recognise the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and seek urgent medical advice if someone becomes seriously unwell.
How long does protection last?
Protection from the MenB vaccine lasts for at least five years.
Is the vaccine available privately?
People who are not eligible for the NHS programme may still be able to receive the MenB vaccine privately through many travel clinics, pharmacies and some private GP practices.
Find out more about what meningitis is
