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MenB vaccine for students and young people: what you need to know
Teenagers and young people are the second most at-risk group for contracting meningitis, and MenB is one of the most common causes of meningitis amongst young people. Meningitis can kill within hours or leave survivors with life-changing after-effects – including limb loss, hearing loss and acquired brain injury.
Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis. Following MenB outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire, a one-off MenB vaccination programme has been introduced for young people in the UK. This programme will launch in July 2026.
Many young people will have had their MenACWY in school around the age of 13 or 14. This vaccine protects against four strains of meningitis – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. The vaccine given in school does not protect against MenB. Very few young people will have had the MenB vaccine, as it is not part of the current NHS vaccination programme for this age group. So, it’s vital that all eligible young people book their MenB vaccine appointment as soon as possible.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for maximum protection. The second dose must be given at least four weeks after the first. The vaccine is fully effective two weeks after the second dose. Therefore, the whole process takes six weeks from start to finish. This is why it’s important for eligible young people to get a first dose as early as possible, ideally well before the autumn term begins.
MenB vaccine eligibility
In England & Wales:
- Everyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- Those under 25 who will be attending university, or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 202
In Scotland:
- Everyone born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009
- Everyone in S6 during the 2025-2026 academic year
- Those under 25 who will be starting their first undergraduate university course in the 2026-2027 academic year
- Those under 25 who will be starting their first college course in the 2026-2027 academic year, and living in shared student accommodation
In Northern Ireland:
- Everyone born between 2 July 2007 to 1 July 2008
- Those under 25 who will be attending higher education or a residential further education institution for the first time in autumn 2026
International students:
- Where possible, international students should receive the MenB vaccine in their home country before travelling to the UK to study.
- International students under 25 are eligible for the MenB vaccine in all UK nations, provided they meet the criteria outlined above for the country in which they are studying.
Where to get your MenB vaccine
Where you get your MenB vaccine varies depending on where in the UK you live.
How you can help
You can help us spread the word by downloading or requesting our MenB vaccine poster pack. Put your posters up in your community – at pharmacies, GPs, community centres, supermarkets – to help us raise awareness that this lifesaving vaccine is available for eligible young people.
You can also download a graphic for social media. Share on your own social media networks to help spread awareness amongst your family, friends and colleagues.
To save costs, we ask you to download the posters and print yourself wherever possible. However, we can also send you printed posters in the post.
MenB vaccine FAQs
Why is this vaccination programme important?
Students, teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis, particularly when they begin mixing with large numbers of new people in settings such as universities, colleges and student accommodation.
Vaccination is the only effective way of preventing meningitis and reducing the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccination programme?
The one-off programme will be offered to:
- Everyone in England and Wales born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current Year 13 students).
- Equivalent final-year school students in Scotland and Northern Ireland (Year 14 or S6).
- Those under 25 who will be attending university, or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 2026. This includes eligible students from the UK, Crown Dependencies and international students.
You can read more about who is eligible in each nation of the UK here.
How many doses are needed?
Eligible individuals will need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection. The first dose will begin being offered from July 2026 and the second dose from August 2026.
The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. It then takes a further two weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around six weeks from start to finish, so it’s important for those who are eligible to get a first dose as early as possible, ideally well before the autumn term begins.
Two doses help provide stronger and longer-lasting protection against MenB disease. It is important to attend both appointments to ensure the best possible protection.
How long does the protection offered by the MenB vaccine last?
Protection lasts for at least five years.
How will eligible people be invited?
In England, eligible current Year 13 students will be contacted directly through the NHS app, text, email or letter depending on contact details held by the NHS. These messages will include details of how to book an appointment.
In Wales, if you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you will receive an invitation letter from your health board from 6 July 2026 providing details on how to get your vaccine. If you are under 25 and attending university or living in further education accommodation or halls of residence, for the first time in autumn 2026, you will need to contact your health board after 20 July to find out more information.
In Scotland, the way in which you will be invited depends on the health board where you live – find out more here.
We are awaiting details of how people will be invited in Northern Ireland. More details will be available here.
What are the side effects of the MenB vaccine?
As with all vaccines, side effects can occur but are usually mild and short-lived, typically lasting 24-48 hours. The most common side effects include tenderness and swelling at the injection site, a raised temperature, irritability, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Serious side effects are rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, speak to your GP, pharmacist or the healthcare professional who administered the vaccine.
How much will the MenB vaccine cost?
The MenB vaccine will be free for all eligible young people, including eligible students and teenagers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
I am starting university in autumn 2026. When should I get vaccinated?
Eligible students should get vaccinated as soon as possible. You should receive both doses before starting university or moving into student accommodation wherever possible.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for the best protection. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. It then takes a further two weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. That means the whole process takes around six weeks from start to finish.
Receiving the vaccine before the start of term will help ensure protection is in place before mixing with large numbers of new people.
I'm an international student coming to study in the UK. What should I do?
International students under the age of 25 who are entering their first year of university should receive the MenB in their home country where possible.
International students under 25 are eligible for the MenB vaccine in all UK nations, provided they meet the criteria outlined above for the country in which they are studying. Find out more here.
Does the MenB vaccine protect against all types of meningitis?
No. The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, one of the causes of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis can be caused by different bacteria, viruses and other organisms, so no single vaccine protects against every cause of meningitis.
Haven’t I already had a meningitis vaccine at school?
The MenACWY vaccine is provided through the NHS to teenagers around the ages of 13-14. This vaccine offers long-term protection, and a booster is not usually required. The MenACWY vaccine is also offered as a travel vaccine to people visiting high risk areas of the world.
Men ACWY protects against four strains of meningococcal infection known as MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. It does not protect against MenB.
There are very few cases of MenA,C,W or Y in the UK due to the effectiveness of this vaccine.
What are the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia?
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Confusion
- Cold hands and feet
- Muscle or joint pain
- Pale, blotchy skin
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
Anyone who suspects meningitis should seek urgent medical help immediately.
What should students do before starting university?
As well as receiving the MenB vaccine if eligible, students should ensure they are up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Students should also familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and encourage friends and housemates to do the same.
Why does Meningitis Now support vaccination?
Meningitis Now has seen first-hand the devastating impact meningitis can have on individuals, families and communities.
Vaccination saves lives and helps prevent the serious consequences that can result from meningococcal disease. We welcome efforts to increase protection for those at risk while continuing to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Where can I find more information?
More information about MenB vaccine, meningitis symptoms, after-effects, support services and awareness campaigns, is available on the Meningitis Now website[CL4] . Our nurse-led Helpline is available to answer your questions. You can contact the Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 (9am-4pm Monday - Thursday and 9am-1pm Friday or email helpline@meningitisnow.org. You can also message us via our social media channels.
Facebook: @MeningitisNow
Instagram: @meningitis_now
LinkedIn: @meningitis-now
TikTok: @meningitisnow
You can also learn more in this bacterial meningitis e-learning course, which we have developed with our partners Nimble.
Find more information if you live in England
Find more information if you live in Wales
Find more information if you live in Scotland
Find more information if you live in Northern Ireland
What happens now to the ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign?
This programme is a positive step forward in the fight to protect young people against MenB, and one that will save lives. However, we will continue to call for the MenB vaccine to be available for teenagers and young adults as part of the NHS vaccination programme, so that more young people are protected – not just this year but indefinitely. This is a good first step, but our ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign remains vital and a key focus for Meningitis Now.
I already received a MenB vaccine as a baby. Do I need this programme?
People who have already completed a MenB vaccination schedule should follow the advice provided by their healthcare professional or vaccination provider.
Further guidance will be available from the NHS and public health authorities as the programme launches.
My child had the MenB vaccine privately several years ago. Should they have the full course again or do they need a single booster dose?
It is not yet known exactly how long the protection from the MenB vaccine will last. Current research suggests that protection lasts for at least five years – but is unlikely to offer long-term protection. Ongoing research into the need for and timing of a booster is ongoing.
GSK (manufacturer of the MenB vaccine Bexsero) state that a booster dose should be considered in individuals at continued risk of exposure to meningococcal disease. This potentially includes young people aged between 15-25yrs and those attending university for the first time.
We are awaiting further guidance but would suggest speaking to the vaccine provider when you receive notification to arrange your MenB appointment. Discussion can then take place on an individual basis as to whether a full vaccination schedule is recommended or a single booster dose.
My child has already received their first dose privately – are they still eligible?
It is understood that the MenB vaccine Bexsero (manufactured by GSK) will be used for this vaccination programme. This is the same vaccine that is currently offered to infants as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule.
We are waiting for further guidance from the UKHSA to clarify this question. Two doses of Bexsero are required given at least 28 days apart for maximum protection. If your child has already started their vaccine course, they may be eligible for the second dose as part of the NHS programme.
Another MenB vaccine called Trumenba (manufactured by Pfizer) is currently also licensed for use in Europe and the UK for adults and children over the age of 10yrs.
Trumenba and Bexsero are not interchangeable. If your child has already received their first dose of Trumenba privately, they would need to wait four weeks before switching to the two-dose Bexsero MenB vaccine course.
I tried to get a MenB vaccine for my child during the Kent outbreak, but there were none available. Will there be enough MenB vaccines for everyone eligible to receive one?
During the MenB outbreak in Kent, demand for the private MenB vaccine soared and many pharmacies ran out of stock. This programme is being carefully co-ordinated by the NHS and UKHSA, and there is no reason to believe that there will be insufficient stocks of the MenB vaccine for those who are eligible.