Around one million people who are at the highest risk of meningitis B are to be offered an NHS vaccine. Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university this autumn will be eligible for the MenB jab, the Government has announced.
This decision follows a series of meningitis outbreaks, the most serious of which occurred in Kent earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers. The Kent outbreak was the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK, and other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been larger than expected.
Government Response
Health Secretary James Murray said: “The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn.”
This initiative comes alongside a new free flu vaccination programme recently unveiled by the Department of Health.
Details of the Vaccination Programme
Mr Murray added: “The one-off programme will make MenB vaccination available to people who complete Year 13 of education in the summer of 2026, born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008, as well as people under 25 starting university or moving into some residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026. By offering two doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease.”
He urged eligible students to come forward for their two doses in July and August to gain peace of mind as they continue their studies.
Understanding Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can affect anyone but is more common in babies, children, teenagers, and young adults. Without quick treatment, it can lead to life-threatening sepsis and permanent brain or nerve damage.
Symptoms of Meningitis
Symptoms include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, muscle and joint pain, pale or blotchy skin, spots or a rash, headache, stiff neck, aversion to bright lights, drowsiness, and seizures. Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.
What is Meningitis B?
There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria, including MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, and MenY. MenB is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B. A vaccination campaign to protect babies against MenB was launched in 2015.
Why the Programme is Being Rolled Out
Earlier this year, a large MenB outbreak linked to a nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, occurred. Two further clusters were identified in Weymouth, Dorset, and Reading. Health officials stated that action is being taken to protect those at highest immediate risk. All outbreaks were caused by different MenB strains, according to UK Health Security Agency experts.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Health officials note that the peak age of risk is 18. Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained: “18 is exactly when their risk goes up, and there are multiple reasons for that. One is social behaviours – they are allowed to go into pubs, clubs, drinking, smoking, intimacy. And when they go to university, students from across the country meet, exposing them to new people, increasing the risk of exposure to the bug. This programme is specifically designed to protect those most at risk immediately, giving us time to assess who continues to be at risk and how best to protect them in coming years.”
Eligibility for the One-Off Jab
Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 who are completing Year 13 in summer 2026 are eligible. People under 25 starting university for the first time this autumn are also eligible. Around one million people are eligible, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Who Will Not Get the Vaccine
Groups not eligible include: students in their second, third, or later year of university; postgraduate students starting a masters or PhD; people aged 25 or over starting university; those who previously started university and are returning after a break; and people who finished Year 13 before summer 2026 and are not entering university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Where and When to Get the Vaccine
Young people will be offered their first dose from July 20, with a second dose in August. Two doses at least four weeks apart are needed for full protection. Year 13 pupils will be contacted via the NHS app, text, or letter to come forward. Others under 25 can book appointments directly with pharmacies.
Which Vaccine is Being Used?
The programme will use the GSK Bexsero vaccine, which offers six to seven years of protection against MenB, health officials said. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is preparing advice to ministers on whether a larger, longer-term programme is needed for young people.
