Meningitis B (Men B) Update

In response to the unprecedented MenB outbreak, primarily among University of Kent students in March 2026, and clusters more recently in Weymouth and Reading, NHS England are introducing a new one-off and time-limited offer of MenB vaccination to those considered at highest risk.

Vaccinations will be offered to all those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current year 13 age group) and those aged less than 25 years who will be attending undergraduate higher education or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in Autumn 2026.

The aim is to vaccinate this group before the start of the 2026/2027 academic year and will be a two dose vaccination with the second dose offered a minimum of 28 days after the first.

NHS England have taken the decision to deliver this vaccination programme through community pharmacies and NOT through GP surgeries and so we are not commissioned to deliver MenB vaccine to this group or able to offer it.

We understand that eligible patients will be able to book appointments online with local pharmacies and we do not anticipate that we will be asked to confirm eligibility or to send invites.

There is further information here: Who is eligible for the new one-off MenB vaccine programme?  – UK Health Security Agency

Published: Jun 17, 2026