Who is eligible for the new one-off MenB vaccine 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.  

The programme has been introduced in response to recent meningitis outbreaks while a full review of the evidence by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is underway.  

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. 

What is MenB and why should those eligible get vaccinated? 

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia which can both lead to sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading. Getting 2 doses of the MenB vaccine before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.

Young people in the eligible groups will have been offered MenACWY vaccine in year 9 or year 10. This vaccine protects against other kinds of meningococcal bacteria but will not help protect against MenB disease. So, even if someone has already received the MenACWY vaccine, getting the MenB vaccine is important 

Who is eligible for this vaccine?

• young people currently in school Year 13 in England and Wales (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), in year S6 in Scotland (born between 01 March 2008 and 28 February 2009) and in year 14 in Northern Ireland born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2008 
• all undergraduate freshers who turn 25 after 31 December 2026 who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026 
• anyone who turns 25 after 31 December 2025 and who will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026 

This includes international students who may not arrive in the UK until September. The programme is available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as in Crown Dependencies. 

Why is the programme not being rolled out to all young people? 

This is a one-off, time-limited programme to offer vaccination to those at highest risk.  

Data on invasive meningococcal disease over the last 5 years has shown that after infancy, the highest number of cases are seen in 18- to 19-year-olds. Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about 7 times higher than young people of a similar age who do not go to university.  

It is really important that anyone eligible who is going to university or living in halls at a further education college for the first time gets both doses of the MenB vaccine wherever possible before they leave home. If you're eligible, don't wait - book as soon as you can. 

How many doses are needed? 

Two doses are essential for protection. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, and it then takes a further 2 weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around 6 weeks from start to finish, which is why it's important for those who are eligible to get a first dose as early as possible - ideally well before the autumn term begins. 

Where and when can people get vaccinated? 

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. 

Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can. You should also make sure you are up to date with your other vaccines. All those who are eligible can continue to get first doses until 31 December 2026; they can get their second dose up to 31 March 2027. 

What are the side effects of the vaccine? 

Common side effects of the MenB vaccine are usually mild and do not last long and may include a fever, some swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site, nausea, headache or muscle aches. These usually pass within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol will help manage these symptoms. More serious side effects are rare.  

How well does the MenB vaccine work?

The MenB vaccine covers most, but not all, strains of MenB that commonly cause disease in the UK. It has been routinely used in the UK infant vaccination programme since 2015 and in a study of babies showed a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups. It has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards. 

The MenB vaccine does not protect against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia nor against all strains of meningococcal bacteria. So, it remains important to be aware of signs and symptoms, the need to keep checking on those who are unwell and to seek early medical help if concerned about someone’s health. 

How long does the protection offered by the MenB vaccine last? 

Protection lasts for at least 5 years. 

Is the MenB vaccine available privately? 

For those who are not eligible under the current NHS offer, the MenB vaccine can be obtained privately. It is available from many travel clinics, pharmacies and some private GP practices.  

If you are in an eligible group but have completed a course of MenB vaccination in the past 5 years you will not need further vaccinations now.