Hundreds of thousands of teenagers in England who are heading to university this autumn can now book a pharmacy appointment for the meningitis B vaccine, starting Monday, July 13. Year 13 pupils aged 17 and 18 are eligible for the one-off jab programme, which requires two doses given at least 28 days apart. People under 25 who are going to university or other residential further education in the autumn are also eligible and can book appointments starting July 20.
Vaccination programme after outbreaks
The vaccination programme was announced by the Government last month after a series of meningitis outbreaks, the most serious of which was in Kent and left two teenagers dead. MenB is a serious infection that can be fatal and progresses rapidly. The bacteria that causes the illness is spread through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks, or living in halls of residence.
According to NHS England, the risk of MenB for first-year university students is about seven times higher than for people of a similar age who did not go to university.
Experts urge vaccination
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria. Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.”
Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, said: “Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread. So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university. We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.”
Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Too many of the people we support are left asking ‘what if?’ after MenB has changed their lives forever. This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak. Having supported thousands of people through the Kent outbreak and other recent clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults. If you’re eligible, don’t delay – get to your local pharmacy, have both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.”
Taskforce and future plans
The announcement comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education launch a school-aged vaccination taskforce to improve uptake of jabs. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is also currently considering whether a bigger and longer programme is needed for young people.
Health Secretary James Murray said: “We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK. By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.”
How to book an appointment
You can book an appointment through the NHS website. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England. Alternatively, you can attend a pharmacy walk-in service. You can get a walk-in MenB vaccine at a pharmacy if you were born on or after July 21, 2001, and for the first time this autumn you are starting university or starting at some further education colleges as a residential student. International students and students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study are also eligible. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery to use the walk-in service.
The MenB vaccine is given in two doses, which need to be at least four weeks apart. Book your second dose after you've had your first dose.
