The UK Government has announced free MenB vaccinations for school leavers and people under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time. Eligible young people will be able to access their free vaccine this summer.
MenB disease is a serious bacterial infection which can cause meningitis, blood poisoning, and sepsis. It progresses very quickly and can be fatal, therefore ensuring you are vaccinated against it is essential. Protection lasts for at least 5 years, so once you have both doses you will limit the risk of being seriously ill upon developing the infection.
Who is eligible?
The free NHS MenB vaccinations are available to those:
- Born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, or
- Born on or after 21st July 2001 and are starting university for the first time in autumn, or
- Born on or after 21st July 2001 and are starting some residential further education colleges for the first time in autumn 2026 as a residential student.
When you go for your vaccinations, staff may ask which of these groups you are in. Make sure to bring your offer of a college or university place with you to show them. If you are in an eligible group but have already completed a course of MenB vaccination in the past 5 years, you won’t need to have it again straight away.
How can I get the MenB vaccinations?
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are essential for protection, and they need to be at least 28 days apart.
- Book your 1st dose online at www.nhs.uk/book-menb, or
- Find a walk-in site at www.nhs.uk/menb-walk-in
Once you have had your first vaccination, you will then be able to book your second. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, and it then takes a further 2 weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. The whole process takes around 6 weeks from start to finish, which is why it’s important for those who are eligible to get a first dose as soon as possible. It is best to have them before the autumn term begins.
When can people get vaccinated?
The free NHS programme is running throughout summer 2026, giving eligible people time to complete both doses before cases typically rise in the colder months.
Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can. First doses will be available until 31 December 2026 and second doses up to 31 March 2027.
Why the NHS is offering you the MenB vaccinations
MenB can cause meningitis, where the membranes surrounding the brain or spine become inflamed which can lead to brain damage.
If MenB enters the blood, it can cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) which can damage the body’s tissues and organs. It can also cause sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to an infection.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Common side effects of the MenB vaccine are usually mild and do not last long. Some of them may include:
- A fever
- Some swelling
- Redness or tenderness at the injection site
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle aches
These usually pass within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol, will help manage these symptoms.
If you need help booking your MenB vaccinations
To access help in booking your vaccines, call 119. Translators are available and you can also access the NHS British Sign Language service at www.signvideo.co.uk/nhs119.
For more information about the MenB vaccine, visit the NHS Website.
