Around one million Year 13 students and young adults under 25 heading to university this autumn will be offered a meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination. This newly announced initiative will provide two distinct doses to help shield young people from the serious illness.
Vaccination Schedule and Eligibility
Eligible young people can receive their initial dose starting July 20, with the follow-up appointment scheduled for August. To ensure full protection against the infection, these two doses must be spaced at least 28 days apart. The nationwide rollout comes after several recent outbreaks of the disease. The most significant of these health clusters occurred in Kent earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers.
Juliette Kenny, 18, died during the Kent outbreak, and her family have since been campaigning for teenagers and young people to be routinely offered access to the MenB vaccine. The Kent outbreak was the fastest-growing and largest seen in the UK, and subsequent smaller clusters of meningitis among young people have proved more widespread than anticipated.
How to Get Vaccinated
Living in close quarters in university halls, sharing student houses, and mixing at busy social events can easily increase the risk of spreading bacteria. Local students finishing Year 13 will receive alerts through the NHS smartphone app, text messages, or postal letters to arrange their appointments, while under-25s can book directly via community pharmacies.
If someone cannot attend their second August appointment because they are away on holiday, they can easily get the jab in September instead. Local high street chemists will be responsible for running the clinics and delivering the medication.
Government and Health Officials' Statements
Health Secretary James Murray said: "The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn. The one-off programme will make MenB vaccination available to people who complete Year 13 of education in the summer of 2026, born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, as well as people under 25 starting university or moving into some residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026."
"By offering two doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease. I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their two doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies."
Eligibility Details
Official figures show that freshers arriving at university face a much greater risk of illness than their peers. Medical data also shows that cases of this invasive condition usually peak between October and November each year. The authorities have stated that anyone finishing their final year of school this summer who was born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, is fully eligible. This rule applies to all teenagers in that age bracket, regardless of whether they plan to continue their studies.
Young adults under 25 who are starting their first year of higher education are also being encouraged to come forward. However, the scheme does not cover older students entering their second or third year, nor does it include people starting postgraduate degrees. International students under 25 beginning their first year at university this year should receive their initial MenB dose in their home country, wherever feasible, the Department of Health stated.
Future Recommendations
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is currently drawing up recommendations for ministers on whether a broader programme is required for young people. Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "The question about eligibility is always difficult, because you have to have boundaries to be able to deliver a programme, and at the moment, given how quickly we've had to work, we have had to prioritise those who are at highest risk."
Deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Thomas Waite, warned that the illness can be fatal in up to 10% of cases. He urged all new students to book their first appointments as soon as they can. "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."
