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University meningitis vaccine rollout opens at pharmacies, what parents of teens need to know

University meningitis vaccine rollout opens at pharmacies, what parents of teens need to know

Eligible teenagers can now book a free MenB vaccine at pharmacies before starting university this autumn.

Teenager being vaccinated.

Getty/Kmatta

MadeForMums

Published: July 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM

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Young people preparing to leave home for university this autumn are being urged to book a free meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, as the NHS expands access through high street pharmacies across England.

The move is designed to help eligible students get protected before they begin living in shared accommodation, where the risk of meningococcal disease is significantly higher. Parents of teenagers heading off to university may want to check whether their child is eligible and encourage them to book both doses over the summer.

Around one million young people are expected to qualify for the vaccination, with appointments available to book from today.

Who can get the free MenB vaccine?

The NHS says the vaccine is available to:

Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who is starting university for the first time this autumn.
Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who is starting a residential further education college for the first time this autumn.

Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at participating community pharmacies. Other eligible students can contact a participating pharmacy directly to arrange an appointment.

The first vaccination appointments will be available from 20 July.

To be fully protected, two doses are needed, at least 28 days apart.

Why is the MenB vaccine important before university?

Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning), both of which can become life threatening very quickly. In some cases, the illness can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, amputations or death.

The bacteria spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or spending long periods living closely with someone who is infected.

According to the NHS, first-year university students have a risk of MenB that is around seven times higher than young people of the same age who do not attend university.

Evidence from the UK's infant vaccination programme also shows vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.

Why is the NHS encouraging students to book now?

Cases of meningitis typically increase during the autumn, when thousands of students move into halls of residence and shared housing.

Health officials have also reported more clusters of MenB cases than usual this year, including an outbreak in Kent that claimed two lives.

NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink said: "Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it's also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread."

So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab, it's one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.

Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccination

She added: "We've seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year so if you're eligible, don't leave it to chance, get vaccinated."

What experts want families to know

Health experts and charities say parents have an important role in reminding older teenagers to arrange their vaccination before they leave home.

"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. Don't wait, book your appointment today," Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), says.

Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said: "We would urge everyone who is offered the vaccine to take up the opportunity as soon as possible. As thousands of students prepare to start university and college this autumn, getting vaccinated is the most important step they can take to protect themselves against this devastating disease."

He added: "We hope everyone who is eligible gets the 2 doses of this free MenB vaccine. We know it will save lives and prevent the devastation caused by this disease."

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