New Vaccine Offers Young People Extra Protection against Meningitis
A new NHS vaccine will help protect young people against MenB, a serious infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning).
This vaccine is being offered to eligible young people before they start university or further education.
Important: This vaccine programme will begin in July. It is being delivered through participating community pharmacies, not GP surgeries. Please wait for your NHS invitation and do not contact us to book an appointment.
Who can have the vaccine?
The MenB vaccine is being offered to three groups of young people:
- Currently in school Year 13, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
- Undergraduates starting university for the first time in autumn 2026, and were born on or after 21 July 2001.
- Born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026, and you will be living in student accommodation or halls of residence.
If you are eligible, the NHS will contact you directly with details of how to book your vaccine appointments.
What is MenB?
MenB is a type of bacteria that can cause:
- Meningitis – infection around the brain and spinal cord
- Sepsis – a serious whole-body infection
It is rare, but it can become very serious very quickly.
It can spread through close contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, cups or utensils.
Is this the same as other meningitis vaccines?
No.
Many young people already receive the MenACWY vaccine at school. This protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W and Y.
The new MenB vaccine protects against a different strain, group B.
This means it is an extra vaccine, given in addition to existing protection, to help guard against more types of meningococcal disease.
When are meningitis vaccines given?
| Stage | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Babies | MenB vaccine |
| School age (teenagers) | MenACWY vaccine |
| From July 2026 | Extra MenB doses for eligible young people |
How is the vaccine given?
The MenB vaccine is given as two injections.
- The doses are at least four weeks apart
- Both doses are needed for full protection
- Appointments will be arranged through participating pharmacies
The NHS will contact eligible young people by text, email, letter or through the NHS App.
What happens next?
If you are eligible, you will receive an NHS invitation. Vaccinations will be available from July.
This will explain how to book your appointments at a participating pharmacy.
Getting vaccinated before moving into shared accommodation can help reduce your risk, as infections can spread more easily in close living settings.