Men B vaccines for students

 

UKHSA has announced a one off Men B vaccination programme to protect Year 13 pupils and those under 25 who are starting university or residential further education in the Autumn.

Eligible patients:

The programme will consist of two doses of vaccine, with the first offered from July and the second in August.

  • All individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current school year 13 age group)
  • individuals who turn 25 years of age after 31 December 2026 (born on or after 1 January 2002) andare due to start undergraduate higher education in autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies
  • individuals who turn 25 years of age between 21 July 2026 and 31 December 2026 (born between 21 July 2001 and 31 December 2001) inclusive and are due to start undergraduate higher education
  • in autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies
  • individuals who turn 25 years of age after 31 December 2026 (born on or after 1 January 2002) and will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies
  • individuals who turn 25 years of age between 21 July 2026 and 31 December 2026 (born between 21 July 2001 and 31 December 2001) inclusive and will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies

Eligible patients will need to get their vaccines via local community pharmacies once they are contacted via the NHS App, SMS or letter from NHS England.

Penicillin-resistant Men B linked to the University of Kent:

  • Patients that are at genuine risk will be contacted directly by public health teams.
  • Any queries about eligibility for antibiotics patients should contact UKHSA or the local health protection team 0344 225 3861

Published: Jun 19, 2026