Meningitis B vaccine programme launching this summer

A new meningitis vaccination programme is launching this summer to help protect students and young people at higher risk.

Meningitis and sepsis can be life-threatening. The MenB vaccine offers extra protection against these infections.

If you're eligible, please take up the offer of the MenB vaccine and make sure you get both doses for full protection, as infection diseases can spread easily in university communities. Even if you've had the MenACWY vaccine, you can still be at risk from MenB.

The MenB vaccine will be offered to:

• Young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year.
• Undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students.
• College entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.

The time-limited programme starts in July 2026, and you will need two doses for full protection.

More information on how to get your vaccine will be shared soon. Visit our vaccinations page for general information around getting vaccinated before starting university or check NHS Inform for the latest updates.