Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination programme

A new, time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026. You can check eligibility guidelines below.  

Eligible students will need 2 doses of the MenB vaccine for protection, with the first being offered from late July and the second dose from August. 

In England, vaccines will be available at community pharmacies (subject to ongoing consultation with Community Pharmacy England). The programme starts in July 2026, giving eligible people time to complete both doses before cases typically rise in the autumn. Students in the age group for Year 13 will be contacted by the NHS and sent a link through which they can book a pharmacy appointment to get the vaccine. University and residential further education students who are eligible will be able to arrange a vaccination via walk-in at participating pharmacy. 

We will provide further updates as we are made aware of them.

Meningitis B is a rare but serious infection that can become life-threatening very quickly.

Urgent symptoms include:

• Fever, vomiting or severe headache
• Stiff neck or sensitivity to light
• Drowsiness, confusion or seizures
• Cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin

What to do:

• Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child has serious symptoms
• Do not wait for a rash to appear
• If unsure, seek urgent medical advice

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

Or, if you have a general enquiry about meningitis B, there is a national helpline you can call on 0344 225 3861

Last updated 15/06/2026 @ 15:15