Young people urged to book ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs this summer before heading to university

The NHS is urging young people who are heading to university or residential colleges this September to book their ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs.

Following the meningococcal B disease (MenB) outbreak in Kent earlier this year – which was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK – the Government announced last month that hundreds of thousands of young people across England will get protection against MenB through a one-off vaccination programme.

Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, and in around 10% of cases, it is fatal. 

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them – for example through kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes, or having close contact with the person for long periods of time.

Appointments to get the jab can now be booked at high street pharmacies across England – with the first time slots available from next Monday (20 July).

We're launching a one-off MenB vaccination programme ahead of the next academic year to protect young people from a life-threatening disease.

This will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Two doses are needed for full protection.

More:… pic.twitter.com/XhuCA9cw42

— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 12, 2026

In total, the NHS predicts that around a million young people are eligible for the vaccine, and those who are eligible are:

• People born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• People born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.

17 and 18-year-olds can already book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies, while other eligible people need to contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart, so booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.

“The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria,” explained Dr Shamez Ladhani, who is a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA.

Read more:

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“Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most Meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.

Featured Image – NappyStudio (via Unsplash)