Health boards across Wales are rolling out meningococcal B (MenB) vaccinations for teenagers and first-time university students this summer, following a deadly outbreak linked to the University of Kent in March 2026. The programme is strictly by invitation only for eligible groups, with appointments starting from July 20.
Eligibility and Invitation Process
The Welsh Government confirmed in June that targeted groups would receive the MenB vaccine for the first time as a precautionary measure. The initiative covers two cohorts: Cohort 1 includes individuals born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008 (aged 17 to 18). Cohort 2 includes those born on or after July 21, 2001, turning 25 on or after July 21, 2026, who are due to start undergraduate higher education or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for protection. Eligible 17 and 18 year-olds will be offered the first dose from late July and the second dose four weeks later. Health boards are sending invitation letters early this month, with vaccinations administered at clinics rather than GP practices.
Background: The Kent Outbreak
The programme was launched after an unprecedented meningitis B outbreak primarily affected University of Kent students in March 2026, with additional unseasonal clusters across the UK. According to the Welsh Government, two students died and 21 confirmed cases of meningitis were linked to the outbreak. Dr Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, stated: "Meningococcal disease can develop very quickly and, although rare, it can have devastating consequences for individuals and families. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against MenB infection."
Vaccination Locations by Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
MenB vaccination clinics for eligible 17 and 18 year-olds will operate from later this month at Maelfa Wellbeing Hub (CF23 9PN), Barry Hospital (CF62 8YH), and Riverside Health Centre (CF11 9SH). Appointments are by invitation only, with letters sent shortly. A further programme for all undergraduate freshers who turn 25 after December 31, 2026, will be announced later. The vaccination team can be contacted on 02921 841234.
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Invitation letters to 17 and 18 year-olds are due to arrive next week, with appointments starting from July 20. If letters are not received, the booking team can be contacted on 01792 200492. Appointments will take place at Aberafan Local Vaccination Centre in Neath Port Talbot College and LC2 in Swansea. Cohort 2 can self-refer.
Powys Teaching Health Board
Invitation letters for eligible 17 and 18 year-olds will be sent at the beginning of July, with appointments from July 20. Cohort 2 can find details on the health board website and social media after July 20. Queries can be directed to 01874 442510 or powys.vaccinationservice@wales.nhs.uk.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
MenB vaccinations for eligible 17 and 18 year-olds will be offered at community vaccination centres from July 20. A spokesperson said: "We expect the first appointment invitation letters for eligible young people to arrive on doormats late next week." Cohort 2 should contact the health board from July 20. The campaign runs for a limited time, with all first doses by December 31.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Eligible individuals will receive an invitation to a nearby location. Young people aged 17 and 18 will receive a letter by post, inviting them for their first dose between July 21 and July 31. Vaccinations are by invitation only at six community vaccination centres: Dewi Sant Health Park (Pontypridd), Ysbyty George Thomas (Treorchy), Keir Hardie Health Park (Merthyr Tydfil), Princess of Wales Hospital (Bridgend), Ysbyty Cwm Cynon (Mountain Ash), and Maesteg Hospital (Maesteg).
Hywel Dda University Health Board
A spokesperson said: "Hywel Dda University Health Board will start sending out appointment letters by 3 July 2026 to those born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008." Clinics will be held across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. Cohort 2 should contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 or email ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk after July 20, providing evidence of their university or college offer letter.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board
The board has not yet provided details of its vaccination centres.
Meningitis Risks and Symptoms
A Cardiff and Vale Health Board spokesperson warned: "Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk." Data over the last five years shows that after infancy, the highest number of cases are seen in 18 to 19-year-olds.
In March, Public Health Wales issued advice following the fatal Kent outbreak, confirming four cases of meningitis B in Wales this year. Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, cold hands and feet, stiff neck, severe headache, eye pain when looking at bright lights, seizures, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness, and a rash that does not fade under a glass. Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective protections.
