MenB vaccine for young people

The MenB vaccine is being offered to the following groups:

• individuals who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• individuals who were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students
• individuals who were born on or after 21 July 2001 and will be starting at some further education colleges for the first time in autumn 2026 as a residential student, including international students

Two doses are necessary for protection.

The second dose should be offered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose.

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

Eligible individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated with two doses prior to starting higher or further education in the autumn.

• MenB bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis, septicaemia and sepsis.
• Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces, like university halls, increases the risk of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease spreading.
• Getting two doses of the MenB vaccine before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves from some types of meningococcal B disease.
• Read more at www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

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.

Protection lasts for at least 5 years.

Young people in eligible groups will not have been offered this vaccine in school; they will have been offered MenACWY vaccine in year 9 or year 10 on the NHS. 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.

There are very few individuals who cannot receive the MenB vaccine. The vaccines should not be given to those who have had:

• A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine OR
• A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to any component or residue from the manufacturing process.

Common side effects of the MenB vaccine are usually mild and do not last long. These may include:

• Fever
• Some swelling
• Redness or tenderness at the injection site
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle ache

Most symptoms resolve within 1-2 days but can also be managed with paracetamol where needed. More serious side effects are rare.

Teenagers who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008: if you’re registered with a GP surgery, the NHS may send you an NHS App notification, text or email inviting you to get a vaccination at a pharmacy, but you do not need to wait to be invited if you're eligible. You can book an appointment online or by using this service. You can also find a participating pharmacy to make a local appointment.  Booking link: www.nhs.uk/book-menb

If you were born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time in Autumn 2026, you will not receive an invitation from the NHS. You can self-refer and get a vaccination at a participating pharmacy.

If you were born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting in some further education settings for the first time this autumn as a residential student, you will not receive an invitation from the NHS. You can self-refer and get a vaccination at a participating pharmacy.

For teenagers who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can book your first dose of MenB vaccine by:

Booking online on the NHS website and you can also find your nearest participating pharmacy on there too.  Booking link: www.nhs.uk/book-menb

The second dose is given a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, and an appointment can be made after the first dose is complete.

Eligible young people born on or after 21 July 2001:

You can only arrange your first and second dose vaccinations by attending a participating pharmacy. You can find your nearest participating pharmacy on the NHS website. You may need to make an appointment to return for vaccination, check opening times before attending.
 

You can choose any participating pharmacy for your second dose – it does not need to be the same place as your first vaccination.

This is a time-limited offer. The first doses will be offered until 31 December 2026 and second doses offered until 31 March 2027.

You do not need to bring any evidence if your date of birth is between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.

All other eligible individuals should bring evidence to the pharmacy for their vaccination appointment. You can bring:

• Official email confirmation of your offer from your university, college or UCAS
• A letter confirming your offer
• Screenshot from the UCAS confirming your offer

Your document should clearly show:

• The name of the university or college
• The course name and/or course code
• Confirmation that you have an offer of a place (conditional or unconditional)

Where you are starting at one of the listed further educations settings, you must also show confirmation that you will be entering residential accommodation.