Meningitis B vaccination scheme launched for students starting university this autumn - are you eligible?

Pharmacy appointments are now available for hundreds of thousands of young people across England seeking protection against meningitis B ahead of the autumn university term.

The one-off immunisation initiative is aimed at Year 13 students aged 17 and 18, alongside anyone under 25 who will be attending university or residential further education this September.

Vaccinations will start from July 20, with recipients requiring two doses spaced a minimum of 28 days apart.

The programme follows a government announcement last month in response to several serious outbreaks of the potentially fatal bacterial infection.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

A particularly devastating outbreak in Kent earlier this year claimed the lives of two teenagers, underscoring the urgent need for expanded protection among young people.

Meningitis B represents a severe infection that can progress rapidly with fatal consequences.

The bacteria spreads through intimate contact, including kissing, sharing beverages, or residing in close proximity such as university halls.

According to NHS England figures, students in their first year at university face roughly seven times greater risk of contracting MenB than their peers of similar age who are not attending higher education.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria.

"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."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Can you lower high cholesterol in weeks without statins? Here's what you can achieve through diet alone
• Popular food group linked to doubled type 2 diabetes risk in 200,000-person study
• Three 'supposedly healthy' breakfast staples quietly pushing up your blood pressure

Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, 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."

Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "Too many of the people we support are left asking 'what if?' after MenB has changed their lives forever.

"This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak."

Health Secretary James Murray said: "By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education."

The announcement coincides with the launch of a new school-aged vaccination taskforce by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education, designed to boost uptake rates.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is meanwhile examining whether an expanded, longer-term programme may be required for this age group.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter