The South East has once again topped the national table for MenB vaccinations, new NHS data reveals, as health leaders urge students to make sure they complete both doses before heading off to university this month.

Figures published this week show the South East has delivered 49,015* doses of the MenB vaccine since the programme launched on 20 July, the highest number of any region in England. Across England as a whole, 246,089 doses have now been administered (*as of 31st August 2026).

The latest figures build on the strong demand in the South East in the first weeks of the programme, when once again the region topped the national table with more than 20,000 vaccinations delivered by the end of July.

With freshers’ weeks fast approaching, NHS leaders in the South East are thanking the thousands of young people who have already come forward, while reminding anyone who has not yet had their first dose, or who needs their second, that there is still time to get fully protected before term begins.

Daghni Rajasingam, NHS England South East Regional Medical Director said: “It’s brilliant to see the South East leading the country again, with 49,000 doses of the vaccine given across the region. Each one is an important step towards protecting young people before they start university or college.

“But with freshers’ weeks just around the corner, there’s still time to get protected. If you haven’t yet had your first dose, please book now.

“If it has been at least four weeks since your first dose, make sure you book your second as soon as possible. I’d encourage eligible young people to have both doses as soon as possible, ideally before moving into shared accommodation and before meningitis cases typically rise in the autumn.

“Starting university or college is an exciting milestone, but living and socialising closely with lots of new people can increase the risk of MenB spreading. Getting fully vaccinated before you arrive is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself.”

Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university, according to this study.

Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and sepsis. The disease can develop rapidly and may cause life-changing complications including hearing loss, brain damage and amputations, and in some cases it can be fatal. The bacteria can spread through close or prolonged contact, including kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, and living in shared accommodation.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are needed, given at least 28 days apart.

Booking is now simpler than ever, with every eligible young person able to book online through the NHS National Booking Service. Visit www.nhs.uk/book-menb.  Young people can also use the NHS pharmacy finder to locate a participating community pharmacy near them. Visit www.nhs.uk/menb-walk-in. Anyone who cannot book online can call 119 free of charge; translation and accessible services are available.

Those who are eligible for the jab are:

• young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university as an undergraduate for the first time in autumn 2026
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting at certain further education colleges for the first time in autumn 2026 and will be living in eligible residential accommodation