Urgent MenB vaccination for young people
Following the Meningococcal (MenB) outbreak among University of Kent students in March 2026, an urgent time-limited MenB vaccination programme will be offered before autumn 2026 to eligible young people attending university or a residential further education institution for the first time.
What meningococcal disease is
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that requires urgent hospital treatment. It can present as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning).
They can lead to life-changing disabilities such as:
- amputations
- hearing loss
- brain damage
- skin scarring
It is fatal in around 10 per cent of cases.
It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as the meningococcus bacterium, which is divided into several groups - including groups A, B, C, W, and Y.
The MenB vaccine helps to protect against most strains of group B, which is now the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK.
Why vaccinate
Data on invasive meningococcal disease over the last five years has shown the highest number of cases, after infancy, are seen in 18 to 19-year-olds.
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.
Students attending university or residential further education institutions are at increased risk, particularly in the first year and when living in shared accommodation.
Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces makes it easier for the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease to spread, and starting university or further education can increase this risk.
Therefore, it is important that anyone eligible who is going to university or a residential further education institution for the first time receives both doses of the MenB vaccine, wherever possible, before they leave home to start their course.
Getting vaccinated before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.
Vaccines for meningococcal disease
Cases of meningococcal disease due to other groups of the bacteria are now rare in the UK, thanks to effective vaccination.
Teenagers in the UK are offered the MenACWY vaccine at school in year 11 or 12.
This vaccine protects against groups A, C, W and Y, but does not protect against MenB.
If you think you have missed out on the MenACWY vaccine you can check and with your GP. Young people can receive this vaccine until they turn 25 years old.
MenB vaccines
There are two vaccines approved for use in the UK:
- Bexsero
- Trumenba
Both vaccines have a good safety record and produce a good immune response to the meningococcal group B bacteria.
The vaccine used in this programme will be Bexsero.
This vaccine helps protect against most strains of Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) bacteria.
It contains four different proteins chosen to provide as broad protection as possible.
It has been given to millions of babies in the UK routine childhood immunisation programme since 2015 and has led to a 75 per cent reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated age groups.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine
The MenB vaccine is available to:
- young people currently aged 17 to 18 years, with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008, whether or not they intend to start further or higher education
- young people born on or after 21 July 2001, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies, who:
- are due to start undergraduate higher education in autumn 2026
- will be living in further education or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026
You do not need to get the vaccine if you:
- are turning 25 before 21 July 2026
- are a postgraduate student
- are not entering higher education such as university or a residential further education institution for the first time in autumn 2026
- have already completed a two-dose course of Bexsero within the last five years
- have already completed a two-dose course of Trumenba within the last five years with the doses given at least six months apart
- have already completed a three-dose course of Trumenba within the last five years
- this may include vaccination through a private vaccination service or sexual health clinic
Doses of MenB vaccine needed
It is essential to receive two doses of the vaccine.
A second dose is needed at least four weeks after the first dose to provide protection against meningococcal group B.
The vaccines are given by injection, usually in the upper arm.
After your first dose you will receive a MenB record card. Remember to bring it to your second appointment and retain this for your records.
How to get the vaccine
Further details on how and where to get your vaccine will be available soon.
It is expected that vaccines will become available during summer 2026 and before the start of the academic year in autumn 2026.
Side effects of the vaccine
It's common to experience some swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site, along with mild fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches. These usually pass within a day or two.
Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol will help manage these symptoms.
More serious side effects are rare.
If you experience any suspected side effects to the vaccine, you can report these on the Yellow Card website, by calling 0800 731 6789 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday or by downloading the Yellow Card app.
Protection against meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis and septicaemia are rare but severe diseases that can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems.
The vaccine protects against most strains of MenB bacteria but there are other causes of meningitis and septicaemia so you should still be aware of the signs and symptoms and should seek urgent medical advice if you or someone else has these symptoms.
Look out for your friends if they are feeling unwell.
Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Seek urgent medical help if you or someone else develops:
- a high temperature over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- being sick
- a headache
- a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
A rash may appear, but not everyone gets one.
If a rash does not fade when pressed with a glass, this can be a sign of meningitis or septicaemia.
Do not wait for a rash to appear and get medical help urgently.
For more information go to:
For more advice:
- contact your GP practice
- speak to your university or college health service
- HSC Public Health Agency