MenB vaccine is available now for eligible young people

Posted on July 22nd, 2026

A time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available now for eligible young people, including those who will be starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.

The programme has been introduced in response to recent meningitis outbreaks while a full review of the evidence by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is underway.

Eligible students will need 2 doses of the MenB vaccine for protection, given at least 4 weeks apart, with the first being offered from 20 July 2026 and the second dose from August.

How to get the vaccine

The information below applies to England.

How you’ll get your MenB vaccine depends on which eligible group you are in.

• If you are 17 or 18 years old and were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can book online now.  First dose appointments begin from 20 July 2026. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England.
• If you are under 25, born on or after 21 July 2001 and for the first time this autumn you are starting university or starting at some further education colleges as a residential student, you can get a MenB vaccine at a participating pharmacy from 20 July 2026.  You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery to use this service.

For further information see Who Is Eligible For The New One Off MenB Vaccine Programme