Thousands of young people from the South East heading to university this autumn are being urged by the NHS to book a potentially lifesaving MenB vaccine before term starts.

As of today (13/7), Year 13 pupils (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) can now book their MenB vaccination through the NHS national booking service ahead of appointments becoming available at participating community pharmacies from Monday 20 July.

Pupils are being contacted via the NHS App, text, or letter, depending on contact details held by the NHS, but they do not need to wait if they are eligible.

Under 25s (born on or after 21 July 2001) who are starting university or certain residential further education settings for the first time this autumn, are also eligible for the vaccine. However, they will not receive an invitation from the NHS but can self-refer and get a vaccination at a participating pharmacy. This service will open on Monday 20 July.

Inderjit Sanghera, Regional Chief Pharmacist for the South East said: “ More than 1,000 community pharmacies across the South East are expected to offer the vaccine, making it easy for young people to access appointments close to home.

“The MenB vaccine offers eligible young people important protection against a serious disease at a time when they’re likely to be living, studying and socialising with lots of new people for the first time. Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia, which can have devastating consequences.

“If you’re eligible, don’t put it off. Two doses of the MenB vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, are needed for protection, so it’s important to get both.”

The NHS’s one-off MenB vaccination programme will help protect young people against meningococcal B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). While rare, the disease can be life-threatening and may result in long-term complications including hearing loss, brain damage and amputations.

The bacteria that cause MenB disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.

Trish Mannes, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA South East said: “While MenB outbreaks are uncommon, when they occur, they can be devastating as recent outbreaks in Kent and Berkshire have sadly shown.

“The risk is higher among young people starting university or higher education where close and prolonged contact with lots of new people increases the chances of being exposed to the meningococcal bacteria.

“Two doses of the MenB vaccine is essential to give good protection and I would urge all those eligible to come forward and get the vaccines.”

The two doses, given at least 28 days apart, are essential for protection and health leaders are encouraging eligible young people to take up the offer before they begin living, studying and socialising with lots of new people. First-year university students are known to be at increased risk of meningococcal disease because close and prolonged contact in shared accommodation and social settings can increase the chances of exposure to the bacteria.

The one-off MenB vaccination programme has been introduced following recent meningitis outbreaks and clusters, two of which occurred in the South East (Kent and Reading), and comes as the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviews evidence on longer-term vaccination policy.

UK Health Security Agency data shows there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England during 2024/25, accounting for around 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease cases. Teenagers and young adults are among those most affected, underlining the importance of protection before starting university or further education and mixing with new groups of people.