Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThousands of students starting university or residential college this autumn will be eligible for a free meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine from 20 July. The programme follows an outbreak in Kent linked to two deaths and targets students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026. The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia. University students are prioritised due to a higher risk of exposure in close living and social environments, especially during their first year. Vaccinations will be available at participating pharmacies across England, with two doses recommended at least 28 days apart for optimal protection. In fullMeningitis B vaccine rollout begins: Who is eligible and the symptoms to knowMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why are university students prioritised? MenB vaccine rollout questions answered
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThousands of students starting university or residential college this autumn will be eligible for a free meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine from 20 July. The programme follows an outbreak in Kent linked to two deaths and targets students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026. The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia. University students are prioritised due to a higher risk of exposure in close living and social environments, especially during their first year. Vaccinations will be available at participating pharmacies across England, with two doses recommended at least 28 days apart for optimal protection. In fullMeningitis B vaccine rollout begins: Who is eligible and the symptoms to knowMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
