Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England
England is offering a free meningitis B vaccine to eligible university and college students aged under 25, following a severe outbreak in Kent. The two-dose vaccine can be booked at participating pharmacies, with walk‑in options available for those born on or after 21 July 2001. Health officials emphasize the higher risk of MenB infection among first‑year residential students and aim to prevent further cases through this targeted campaign.
- ▪Nearly a million young people are eligible for the free MenB vaccine, with 90,000 doses already administered and 135,000 more scheduled.
- ▪The vaccine is offered to 17‑ and 18‑year‑olds in sixth form and to students under 25 starting a residential college or university for the first time, requiring two doses at least 28 days apart.
- ▪Bookings can be made at high‑street pharmacies across England, and walk‑in appointments do not require GP registration.
- ▪MenB infection can cause severe outcomes such as meningitis, sepsis, hearing loss, and even death, making vaccination a critical preventive measure.
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| Original publisher | BBC News — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgmyggpg42o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss |
| Publication time | Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:09 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-08-03T01:10:42.787Z |
| Last seen | 2026-08-03T01:10:42.787Z |
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Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in EnglandImage source, Getty ImagesByMichelle RobertsDigital health editorPublished13 July 2026Updated 10 minutes agoA million young people are being offered a free meningitis B vaccine.It comes after concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year. Nearly 90,000 doses of the vaccine have already been given, with 135,000 more booked in for the coming weeks. So who needs the vaccine, what's in it and where can you get it for free?What's the vaccine and is it safe?The vaccine offers protection against a dangerous strain of meningitis called meningitis B (MenB) that caused the outbreak in Kent.
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