Hundreds of thousands of students across England preparing for university this autumn are now eligible to book vital meningitis B vaccine appointments at pharmacies.
The one-off vaccination programme targets Year 13 pupils aged 17 and 18, requiring two doses administered at least 28 days apart.
Additionally, individuals under 25 attending university or other residential further education institutions this autumn can also secure appointments, with jabs commencing from 20 July.
This initiative follows a government announcement last month, prompted by a series of serious meningitis outbreaks, including a particularly severe incident in Kent that tragically claimed the lives of two teenagers.
Meningitis B (MenB) is a severe and rapidly progressing infection that can prove fatal. The bacteria responsible for the illness spreads through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks, or living in close quarters like university halls of residence.
NHS England data indicates that first-year university students face approximately seven times higher risk of MenB compared to their non-university peers of a similar age.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria.
“Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.”
Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, said: “Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.
“So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.
“We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.”
Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Too many of the people we support are left asking ‘what if?’ after MenB has changed their lives forever.
“This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak.
“Having supported thousands of people through the Kent outbreak and other recent clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults.
“If you’re eligible, don’t delay – get to your local pharmacy, have both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.”
It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education launch a school-aged vaccination taskforce in a bid to improve uptake of jabs.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is also currently looking at whether a bigger and longer programme is needed for young people.
Health Secretary James Murray said: “We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK.
“By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.”
