Meningitis B Vaccination Service
The NHS has commissioned community pharmacy as a one-off Advanced service for administering a MenB vaccine to protect all Year 13 pupils and those under 25 years of age starting university or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026.
Here is the qualifying criteria for the group of people who are ineligible for a free NHS Vaccination:
Meningococcal B NHS Vaccine: Need to know
MenB vaccine for students and young people:
Teenagers and young people are the second most at-risk group for contracting meningitis, and MenB is one of the most common causes of meningitis amongst young people. Meningitis can kill within hours or leave survivors with life-changing after-effects – including limb loss, hearing loss and acquired brain injury.
Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis. Following MenB outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire, a one-off MenB vaccination programme has been introduced for young people in the UK. This programme will launch in July 2026.
Many young people will have had their MenACWY in school around the age of 13 or 14. This vaccine protects against four strains of meningitis – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. The vaccine given in school does not protect against MenB. Very few young people will have had the MenB vaccine, as it is not part of the current NHS vaccination programme for this age group. So, it’s vital that all eligible young people book their MenB vaccine appointment as soon as possible.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for maximum protection. The second dose must be given at least four weeks after the first. The vaccine is fully effective two weeks after the second dose. Therefore, the whole process takes six weeks from start to finish. This is why it’s important for eligible young people to get a first dose as early as possible, ideally well before the autumn term begins. During your appointment for your first dose, you will be given a MenB vaccination card. It is important that you take this card to your second appointment for your second dose.
MenB vaccine eligibility -
In England & Wales:
- Everyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- Those under 25 who will be attending university, or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 2026
International students:
- Where possible, international students should receive the MenB vaccine in their home country before travelling to the UK to study.
- International students under 25 are eligible for the MenB vaccine in all UK nations, provided they meet the criteria outlined above for the country in which they are studying.
Where to get your MenB vaccine
Prestwich Pharmacy, 40 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, M25 1AY
Or walk in and if we have sufficient supplies, we will vaccinate you. You may need to return in a few days if we are short on supplies.
Don’t qualify for the NHS Vaccination?
Don’t worry, we have a private service available that will get you covered.
Meningococcal B Vaccine FAQs
Title or Question
Why is this vaccination programme important?
Students, teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis, particularly when they begin mixing with large numbers of new people in settings such as universities, colleges and student accommodation.
Vaccination is the only effective way of preventing meningitis and reducing the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families.
Title or Question
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccination programme?
The one-off programme will be offered to:
- Everyone in England and Wales born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current Year 13 students).
- Equivalent final-year school students in Scotland and Northern Ireland (Year 14 or S6).
- Those under 25 who will be attending university, or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 2026. This includes eligible students from the UK, Crown Dependencies and international students.
You can read more about who is eligible in each nation of the UK here.
Title or Question
How many doses are needed?
Eligible individuals will need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection. The first dose will begin being offered from July 2026 and the second dose from August 2026.
The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. It then takes a further two weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around six weeks from start to finish, so it’s important for those who are eligible to get a first dose as early as possible, ideally well before the autumn term begins.
Two doses help provide stronger and longer-lasting protection against MenB disease. It is important to attend both appointments to ensure the best possible protection.
Title or Question
How will eligible people be invited?
In England, eligible current Year 13 students will be contacted directly through the NHS app, text, email or letter depending on contact details held by the NHS. These messages will include details of how to book an appointment.
In Wales, if you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you will receive an invitation letter from your health board from 6 July 2026 providing details on how to get your vaccine. If you are under 25 and attending university or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 2026, you will need to contact your health board after 20 July to find out more information.
In Scotland, the way in which you will be invited depends on the health board where you live – find out more here.
We are awaiting details of how people will be invited in Northern Ireland. More details will be available here.
Title or Question
What are the side effects of the MenB vaccine?
As with all vaccines, side effects can occur but are usually mild and short-lived, typically lasting 24-48 hours. The most common side effects include tenderness and swelling at the injection site, a raised temperature, irritability, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Serious side effects are rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, speak to your GP, pharmacist or the healthcare professional who administered the vaccine.
Title or Question
How much will the MenB vaccine cost?
The MenB vaccine will be free for all eligible young people, including eligible students and teenagers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Title or Question
I am starting university in autumn 2026. When should I get vaccinated?
Eligible students should get vaccinated as soon as possible. You should receive both doses before starting university or moving into student accommodation wherever possible.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for the best protection. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. It then takes a further two weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around six weeks from start to finish.
Receiving the vaccine before the start of term will help ensure protection is in place before mixing with large numbers of new people.
Title or Question
I'm an international student coming to study in the UK. What should I do?
International students under the age of 25 who are entering their first year of university should receive the MenB in their home country where possible.
International students under 25 are eligible for the MenB vaccine in all UK nations, provided they meet the criteria outlined above for the country in which they are studying. Find out more here.
Title or Question
Does the MenB vaccine protect against all types of meningitis?
No. The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, one of the causes of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis can be caused by different bacteria, viruses and other organisms, so no single vaccine protects against every cause of meningitis.
Title or Question
Haven’t I already had a meningitis vaccine at school?
The MenACWY vaccine is provided through the NHS to teenagers around the ages of 13-14. This vaccine offers long-term protection, and a booster is not usually required. The MenACWY vaccine is also offered as a travel vaccine to people visiting high risk areas of the world.
Men ACWY protects against four strains of meningococcal infection known as MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. It does not protect against MenB.
There are very few cases of MenA,C,W or Y in the UK due to the effectiveness of this vaccine.
Title or Question
What are the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia?
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Confusion
- Cold hands and feet
- Muscle or joint pain
- Pale, blotchy skin
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
Anyone who suspects meningitis should seek urgent medical help immediately.
Title or Question
What should students do before starting university?
As well as receiving the MenB vaccine if eligible, students should ensure they are up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Students should also familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and encourage friends and housemates to do the same.
Why does Meningitis Now support vaccination?
Meningitis Now has seen first-hand the devastating impact meningitis can have on individuals, families and communities.
Vaccination saves lives and helps prevent the serious consequences that can result from meningococcal disease. We welcome efforts to increase protection for those at risk while continuing to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
