The NHS is offering a time-limited MenB (Meningococcal B) free vaccination programme to eligible young people to help get protected against meningitis and septicaemia.
The vaccination is recommended for eligible students who have just started university or have recently moved into student accommodation for the first time.
You may be eligible if you:
- were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, or
- are under 25 years old, born on or after 21 July 2001 and have started university or residing in student accommodation for the first time this autumn. (This includes if you're an international student or a student from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)
The vaccination is free, and two doses are required for full protection, given at least 28 days apart:
- First doses available until 31 December 2026
- Second doses available until 31 March 2027
How to get vaccinated:
For more information on the vaccine, please visit the NHS website.
Initially, meningococcal disease (which can cause meningitis and sepsis) can be like a bad case of flu. But anyone affected will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms as early treatment can save lives.
For more information on meningitis, please visit the Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now websites.
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