Meningitis B Vaccination Service

Following the outbreak of Meningitis B in Kent earlier in the year, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has decided to commission a one-off Meningitis B vaccination programme for young people in year 13 and others who will be heading to universities and other HEIs in September. This will be commissioned from community pharmacies as an Advanced service.

The service specification is just being finalised. Further information will follow, but for the time being, a summary of the DHSC press release:

A one-off, two-dose MenB vaccination programme will protect Year 13 students and those under 25 starting university for the first time in autumn 2026 against rising, life-threatening Meningococcal B cases.

Eligible individuals will be contacted directly via the NHS App, text, email, or letter, while those under 25 starting university can book appointments directly with participating community pharmacies when bookings open in mid-July.

First doses will be available from late July 2026, with the second dose administered in August to ensure maximum protection before the high-risk autumn term begins.