Students encouraged to get free Meningitis B vaccine before starting university
The NHS has launched a time-limited MenB vaccination programme to help protect students who may be at increased risk of meningococcal disease as they begin living and studying in new environments. The programme follows recent meningitis outbreaks, including one in Canterbury earlier this year.
Who is eligible?
The free vaccine is available to:
- Year 13 students who have just finished sixth form or college.
- Students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting an undergraduate university course this autumn.
- Students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are moving into residential further education accommodation for the first time in autumn 2026.
Where can you get vaccinated?
In Barking and Dagenham, the MenB vaccination programme is being delivered through participating community pharmacies, rather than GP surgeries.
Eligible young people need two doses, given at least 28 days apart, to achieve the best protection.
How to book
Year 13 students can book an appointment online through the NHS national booking system on the NHS website. If you're unable to book online, you can call 119 free of charge, where translation services are also available.
Students starting university or residential further education this autumn can attend participating pharmacies using local walk-in services. You can find your nearest participating pharmacy using the NHS pharmacy finder.
Why is the vaccine important?
Although meningococcal group B (MenB) disease is rare, it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Young people moving into shared accommodation, such as university halls of residence, are at a higher risk because the bacteria can spread more easily through close contact.
Getting both doses of the MenB vaccine before the start of the autumn term is one of the best ways to protect yourself.