New one-off Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccination programme offered to eligible young people for a limited period
The programme is open to young people born between 1 Sept 2007 and 31 August 2008 and aimed at school leavers and some young people under 25 who are starting university or residential further education for the first time. Who can get the vaccine, and how you get it, depends on whether you are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
In England, the following groups are eligible:
- young people aged 17 or 18 who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and are registered with a GP surgery in England
- all undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026
- those born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and who will be living in further education accommodation
This includes international students who may not arrive in the UK until September, and those from the devolved nations and Crown Dependencies attending these settings in England.
If you are eligible, you will need two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least 28 days apart for the best protection. You can book your first appointment online at www.nhs.uk/book-menb or find a walk-in site at www.nhs.uk/menb-walk-in.
You will be able to book your second dose once you have had your first dose.
First doses are available until 31 December 2026 and second doses up to 31 March 2027. You should also make sure you are up to date with your other vaccines.
The UK Health Security Agency has a helpul guide to the Meningococcal B vaccines that help to protect against meningitis and septicaemia.
Find out if you are eligible for the 2026 one-off MenB vaccine programme by clicking on the pink button below.
