Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year.
Eligible students will be offered a 2-dose vaccination before they start university, where close and prolonged contact in halls and at social events can increase the risk of contracting MenB disease. Two doses of the vaccine are essential for protection.
Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them. This can be through kissing or sharing drinks or vapes or close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
The MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK. While the response to that incident has concluded, there have also been more clusters than normal this year, some of which have been bigger than expected.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England during 2024 to 2025, which accounts for approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases, disproportionately affecting young adults and teenagers, as well as infants who are already offered the vaccine through the NHS vaccination schedule.
This one-off vaccination programme will help to protect those at highest immediate risk while the government monitors and assesses new evidence to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout response is required.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said: "The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn. By offering 2 doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease. I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their 2 doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies."
The one-off programme will make MenB vaccination available to people who complete year 13 of education in the summer of 2026 born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 as well as people under 25 years old starting university or moving into some residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.
