England, Wales and Scotland to Offer Meningitis B Vaccine to One Million Young People

Health authorities in England, Wales and Scotland will offer a two-dose meningitis B vaccine to approximately one million young people this summer and autumn. The programme targets pupils completing their final year of secondary school and those aged 18-25 entering university or residential further education for the first time.

The rollout follows three clusters of MenB disease reported in Kent, Weymouth and Reading earlier this year. Officials described the Kent outbreak as the largest and fastest-growing in the UK to date.

the first doses will be available through community pharmacies in July and August, with second doses given at least 28 days later. Year 13 pupils will receive invitations via the NHS app, text, email or letter, while new university students can book appointments directly.

Wales will run its programme from July to December, sending letters to 17- and 18-year-olds from early July. Scotland will also begin vaccinations in July. Northern Ireland plans a similar programme at a later date.

Meningococcal disease can cause life-threatening illness and spreads through close contact such as kissing or sharing drinks. Officials note that 18-year-olds and new university students face higher risk due to increased social mixing and shared accommodation.

A separate MenACWY vaccine is already offered routinely to 14-year-olds. The MenB vaccine used in this programme is the same one given to infants, with evidence indicating protection lasts at least six years.

“The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people.”