A new NHS vaccination programme is offering protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease to eligible young people across England.
The vaccine is being offered as a one-off programme to help protect those at highest risk before they start university or residential higher education in autumn 2026.
MenB disease is rare but can be very serious. It can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia), which can lead to life-changing disabilities or death.
Who can get the vaccine?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are currently in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
- Are under 25 and starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- Are under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.
All eligible Year 13 students can receive the vaccine, regardless of whether they plan to go to university or college.
Why is the vaccine being offered?
Recent outbreaks and clusters of MenB disease have prompted health experts to introduce this temporary vaccination programme while further evidence is reviewed. There were 313 confirmed MenB cases in England during 2024/25, accounting for around 83% of invasive meningococcal disease cases.
Young people starting university are at increased risk because bacteria can spread more easily through close contact in shared accommodation and social settings. First-year university students have been found to have a significantly higher risk of MenB disease than other young people of a similar age.
What is MenB?
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause:
- Meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord)
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
The illness can develop quickly and become life-threatening within hours.
Although rare, MenB can cause:
- Hearing loss
- Brain damage
- Amputations
- Scarring
- Death in around 1 in 10 cases
How does MenB spread?
The bacteria that cause MenB are spread through close and prolonged contact with an infected person.
This can include:
- Kissing
- Sharing drinks, water bottles or vapes
- Living in the same household or accommodation
- Close social contact over a prolonged period
People can carry the bacteria without feeling unwell and can pass it to others without knowing.
How many doses do I need?
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection.
- The first dose will be offered from July 2026.
- The second dose should be given at least four weeks later.
- Both doses are needed to help protect against MenB disease.
How will I be invited?
You do not need to wait for an invitation from the NHS before booking your MenB vaccinations. If you are eligible, you can book your appointments through the national booking service as soon as bookings are available.
The NHS may also contact eligible Year 13 students through:
- The NHS App
- Text message
- Letter
The method used will depend on the contact details held in your NHS records.
We recommend booking both of your MenB vaccination appointments through the national booking service. The two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart, and booking through the service helps ensure you receive both vaccinations at the correct time.
Some pharmacies may offer walk-in appointments for the first dose only. However, this varies between pharmacies, so you would need to contact them directly to check availability.
To help make sure you receive both doses at the right interval, we recommend booking through the national booking service whenever possible.
What pharmacies in South Essex offer the MenB vaccine?
The MenB vaccine will be available from participating community pharmacies across South Essex.
What if I have already had the MenACWY vaccine?
Many young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine at school.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It does not protect against MenB.
Even if you have had MenACWY, you should still get the MenB vaccine if you are eligible.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards.
The vaccine, called Bexsero®, has been used routinely in the UK childhood vaccination programme since 2015 and has shown a strong safety record.
Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Feeling sick
- Muscle aches
These symptoms usually pass within a day or two.
Information taken from Essex ICB website and tailored to the local area.