MenB Vaccine update

• One-off MenB vaccination programme to protect all year 13 pupils, and those under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn
• Eligible students will need 2 doses for protection, with the first being offered from July with second dose given in August
• International students under 25 entering their first year of university should receive their first dose in their home country where possible

Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year. 

Eligible students will be offered a 2-dose vaccination before they start university, where close and prolonged contact in halls and at social events can increase the risk of contracting MenB disease. Two doses of the vaccine are essential for protection.

Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. 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.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England during 2024 to 2025, which accounts for approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases, disproportionately affecting young adults and teenagers, as well as infants who are already offered the vaccine through the NHS vaccination schedule.

This one-off vaccination programme will help to protect those at highest immediate risk while the government monitors and assesses new evidence to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout response is required.   

Eligable Patients

• all individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current school year 13 age 
  group)
•  individuals who turn 25 years of age after 31 December 2026 (born on or after 1 January 2002) and 
  are due to start undergraduate higher education in autumn 2026, including international students 
  and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies
•  individuals who turn 25 years of age between 21 July 2026 and 31 December 2026 (born between 
  21 July 2001 and 31 December 2001) inclusive and are due to start undergraduate higher education 
  in autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations 
  and Crown Dependencies

If you need any further information please click -  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-young-people-to-be-offered-two-dose-menb-vaccine

Thank you