The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are running a time-limited vaccination programme for Meningococcal B (MenB) from Monday 20 July 2026 to Wednesday 31 March 2027.
What is MenB and why is a vaccine being offered now?
MenB is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Although it's rare, it can become life-threatening very quickly.
Students starting university are at a higher risk because they often live, study and socialise closely with lots of new people.
The programme has been introduced following recent MenB outbreaks in England and is designed to help protect students before they arrive at university, where the risk of infection is higher.
Key things to know
The vaccination is administered as a two-dose course.
The first dose can be given between 20 July and 31 December 2026.
The second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose and no later than 31 March 2027.
Ideally, you should receive both doses before or soon after starting university so you're protected during your first term.
Who is eligible for the free vaccine?
I am... | Can I get the free vaccine? |
Starting my first undergraduate degree in September 2026. | Yes* |
International student starting my first undergraduate degree in September 2026. | Yes*
|
Returning undergraduate student | No** |
Starting a postgraduate course (such as a master's or PhD) | No** |
Continuing my postgraduate course | No** |
*You must also have been born on or after 21 July 2001.
**You are not eligible for this free vaccination programme, but you can opt to pay to have the vaccination privately.
Still not sure if you’re eligible?
We’d recommend speaking to a local pharmacist. Pharmacies are offering a walk-in service and can prescribe and administer the MenB vaccination. They will be able to confirm whether you qualify for this free programme.
How to book
We strongly recommend that all students register with a GP when arriving at University, but don’t let this delay you in accessing the vaccination if you’re eligible.
There are 2 ways that you get vaccinated depending on which criteria applies to you:
Find a pharmacy walk-in service:
Walk into a participating pharmacy offering the MenB vaccination programme. Pharmacies will offer free MenB vaccines from 20 July 2026 until 31 March 2027. You do not need to be registered with a GP to access this service.
Book online (17 to 18 years old and registered with a GP):
Book online if you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. Online booking is now open, with appointments available from 20 July. Book a MenB Vaccination appointment.
Find out more
You can read the full NHS and UK Health Security Agency guidance if you'd like more detailed information.
Meningitis - Know the symptoms
Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. Look out for:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Muscle pain
Stomach cramps
Fever with cold hands and feet
These can develop into symptoms including drowsiness, blotchy skin, spots or rash, stiff neck or seizures. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Check on your friends and housemates. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly. Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.