Thousands of young people in England will be offered vaccination against meningococcal B disease before the start of the 2026 academic year, the government has announced. The one-off programme will provide two doses of the MenB vaccine to eligible students, with the first available from late July and the second in August.

The decision follows a MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year, which health officials described as the largest and fastest-growing on record in the UK. Additional clusters have since been identified in other parts of England. UK Health Security Agency data recorded 313 confirmed MenB cases in England during 2024/25, accounting for roughly 83 per cent of all invasive meningococcal disease cases that year. Teenagers and young adults were among those most affected.

Health officials have long observed that meningococcal disease cases tend to spike between October and November, coinciding with the start of the university year. Students living in halls of residence and attending social events are considered at higher risk due to close and prolonged contact with large numbers of new people. The bacteria can spread through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or extended close contact with an infected person.

The programme covers all Year 13 pupils born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, regardless of whether they plan to continue in education. Under-25s starting university or moving into residential further education for the first time this autumn are also eligible. Postgraduates and students returning for a second or later year are excluded. International students under 25 entering their first year are advised to receive their initial dose in their home country before arriving.

Eligible individuals will be contacted through the NHS App, by text, email or letter. Pharmacy bookings will open in mid-July. Two doses at least four weeks apart are required for full protection, a point health officials have been careful to emphasise given the compressed timeline before term begins.

Meningococcal B disease kills around one in ten of those it infects. Survivors can face lasting consequences including limb amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. The MenB vaccine has been offered to infants through the NHS childhood immunisation schedule for several years. Evidence from that programme suggests it has reduced MenB disease by around 75 per cent in vaccinated age groups.

James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said the Kent outbreak and subsequent clusters indicated a possible change in how MenB affects people, and that the government was acting to protect those at highest immediate risk while evidence was assessed. Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said two doses were needed for maximum protection and urged eligible students to come forward for their first dose as soon as appointments open.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is reviewing whether a longer-term routine MenB programme for this age group is warranted. Ministers have described the current drive as an immediate response to elevated risk, with broader policy decisions to follow once that review is complete.

The Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now both welcomed the announcement. The Meningitis Research Foundation, which provided support during the Kent outbreak and subsequent clusters in Weymouth and Reading, said it was ready to assist with delivery. Meningitis Now noted the programme was the result of sustained campaigning by charities and families affected by the disease, while adding that protection gaps remain for younger teenagers and those already enrolled at university.

The government said it would work with universities, colleges, NHS organisations and student groups to support the rollout and ensure consistent public health messaging ahead of the new term.

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