Meningitis (MenB) Vaccination and Current Advice

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• You were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• You were born on or after 21 July 2001 and will be starting university as an undergraduate for the first time in autumn 2026
• You were born on or after 21 July 2001 and will be starting at an eligible further education college for the first time in autumn 2026 and living in college accommodation or halls of residence

International students and students from other parts of the UK may also be eligible if they meet these requirements.

Postgraduate students and people who are not entering university or eligible residential further education for the first time are not included in this programme.

You may not need further vaccination if you have already completed an eligible MenB vaccination course within the last five years. The pharmacy will check this with you.

How to get the vaccine

This programme is being provided by participating community pharmacies, not by the GP surgery.

If you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can book an appointment online using the NHS National Booking Service.

Other eligible university and residential further education students should contact or visit a participating pharmacy to arrange their vaccination.

The first vaccination appointments will be available from 20 July 2026.

Two doses are required

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are needed for protection. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.

Please arrange your first dose as soon as possible so that you have enough time to receive both doses before starting university or college.

First doses will be available until 31 December 2026. Second doses will be available until 31 March 2027.

Routine meningitis vaccines

The routine NHS vaccination programme continues as normal:

• The MenB vaccine is offered to babies as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme
• The MenACWY vaccine is normally offered to young people in Year 9
• Anyone who missed their MenACWY vaccination may remain eligible up to their 25th birthday

The new MenB offer does not replace the MenACWY vaccination. Eligible young people should make sure they are protected against both.

You can check your vaccination history through the NHS App or contact the surgery if your record is not available.

Most children and young people will already have protection through these routine vaccines.

Be aware of the symptoms

The vaccine provides good protection against most strains of MenB, but it cannot prevent every cause of meningitis or sepsis.
Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:

• A high temperature
• Very cold hands or feet
• A severe headache
• A stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Confusion or unusual sleepiness
• Discomfort when looking at bright lights
• A seizure or fit
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass

Not everyone develops a rash. Do not wait for a rash to appear before seeking help.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone else may have meningitis or is seriously unwell.