Meningitis B vaccination programme offered to young people in England
A one-off Meningitis B vaccination programme will be launched ahead of the 2026 academic year for all Year 13 pupils, and those under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time.
Eligible students will need two doses for protection, with the first being offered from July with the second dose being given in August. With close and prolonged contact either in shared accommodation or at social events, young people are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal B disease (MenB).
Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. Bacterial meningitis is associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy. People with epilepsy, who meet the criteria, are eligible to receive the vaccination.
It is fatal in around 10% of cases. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them. This can be through kissing or sharing drinks or vapes or close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
The MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK. While the response to that incident has concluded, there have also been more clusters than normal this year, some of which have been bigger than expected.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite said:
Meningococcal B disease is a rare but very serious infection which is fatal in up to 10% of cases and can cause lifelong injury. There has been an increase in clusters of disease this year and so this one-off programme is designed to provide direct protection to those at highest immediate risk which is typically when students travel from across the country to attend university and further education for the first time.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least four weeks apart are needed for maximum protection, and I encourage everyone who is attending university and further education for the first time this autumn to come forward for their first dose as soon as possible.
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.
The NHS has begun operational rollout planning with vaccinations expected to be available in England from the end of July 2026 ahead of the new academic year.
Those eligible will be contacted directly through the NHS App, by text and email and for those under 25 starting university for the first time they will be able to book their appointment directly with available pharmacies.
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