Young people due to start university or move into student accommodation this autumn are being encouraged to protect themselves against meningitis by taking up a new, one-off NHS vaccination offer.
From today (Monday 13 July), those eligible can use the National Booking Service to pre-book an appointment or find out which pharmacies are available for walk-in appointments.
How to book
The first vaccination appointments will be available from Monday 20th July.
The time-limited programme offers two doses of the MenB vaccine, helping protect against meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria, which can cause life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
It can be spread through close contact with an infected person. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
Who is eligible
People eligible for the vaccine include:
- Young people currently in Year 13 (born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008).
- Undergraduate students born on or after 21st July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- People born on or after 21st July 2001 who are starting a further education (FE) college course for the first time in autumn 2026 and will be living in college-provided accommodation, such as halls of residence.
Why vaccination matters
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Vaccinations Lead for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said,
“Starting university or moving into student accommodation is an exciting milestone, but it also means meeting lots of new people and living closely with others, which increases the risk of meningococcal disease spreading.
“Although meningitis is uncommon, it can become life-threatening very quickly. The good news is that vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
“If you’re eligible, please don’t put it off. You need two doses of the MenB vaccine, so starting the course as early as possible will help ensure you’re fully protected before the autumn term begins. I’d encourage all eligible students and their parents or carers to check the eligibility criteria and arrange vaccination as soon as they’re able.”
Two doses, two deadlines
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart. Booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.
MenB versus MenACWY
The MenB vaccine is different from the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered to teenagers in secondary school. While many young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine, this does not protect against MenB disease, making this additional vaccine important for those who are eligible.
Eligible people can receive their first dose until 31st December 2026, with second doses available until 31st March 2027.
For more information about the MenB vaccination programme, eligibility and how to get vaccinated, visit NHS.uk page for vaccinations or ring the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
News shared on behalf of Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. Ed
