As hundreds of thousands of students celebrate their A Level results today, the NHS in London is warning freshers that they face a MenB risk seven times higher than young people who don’t go to university, and is urging them to get vaccinated before term starts. 

London, with the highest concentration of students in the country, is a potential hotspot for the disease, which spreads through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, and the close contact of packed halls and parties. MenB can kill within hours and can leave survivors with life-changing disabilities, including amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. 

Health chiefs are urging students to treat the vaccine as seriously as sorting accommodation or student finance. 

Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, said: “Results day is an exciting milestone for thousands of young Londoners as they prepare for the next stage of their lives, whether that’s university, college or another new opportunity. Alongside thinking about accommodation, travel and finances, we’re encouraging eligible young people to think about their health too. 

“Following the meningitis outbreaks earlier this year and the tragic loss of lives, it’s hugely encouraging that so many young people have already had their first MenB vaccine. But I can’t stress enough how vital it is to get a second dose – only then will you have strong protection against this devastating disease. 

“Getting vaccinated against MenB is a simple step that can help protect young people as they become more independent, meet new people and start this next chapter with confidence.” 

Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service, and other eligible young people should contact a participating pharmacy directly. Anyone who misses getting vaccinated before starting university can still get a first dose before 31 December, with second doses available until 31 March 2027 at participating pharmacies across London. 

Green Lanes Pharmacy in Enfield is just one of the community pharmacies offering the MenB vaccination across the capital. 

Elena Tacu, pharmacist at Green Lanes Pharmacy, said: “As students prepare to take the next steps into university life, making sure vaccinations are up to date forms part of the preparation process. University is an exciting new chapter, but it also means meeting lots of new people and often living in close quarters.  

“Bacterial meningitis kills up to 1 in 10 people who contract it and can leave survivors with long-term complications including hearing loss, seizures, and problems with movement, coordination, memory or concentration. Around 1 in 10 people who survive MenB are left with major disabilities, including amputations. 

“As a pharmacist, I encourage students to prioritise their health and get vaccinated against MenB. Community pharmacies are ready to support students with their vaccination needs, including providing the MenB vaccination and answering any questions may have.” 

The MenB catch-up campaign is the NHS’s largest ever, running across England to protect a cohort of young people identified as being at significantly higher risk due to university and residential college attendance.  

Since the programme began on 20th July, 11,023 first doses of the vaccine have been given to young people. 

Thousands of high street pharmacies up and down the country are working to help the NHS deliver vital protection to eligible groups, and the NHS National Booking Service has received more than 135,000 bookings for the coming weeks. 

Those eligible for the MenB vaccination should get their vaccine at participating community pharmacies before starting university or residential further education in the autumn.  

The MenB vaccination is available to: 

• People born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 

• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time this autumn 

• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting at some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn 

Two doses are needed, given at least 28 days apart, for full protection.