Million young people to be offered meningitis B vaccine ahead of university

A new UK-wide vaccine programme aims to protect students amid concerns over recent meningitis B outbreaks.

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Published: June 12, 2026 at 10:09 AM

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Young people heading to university or residential further education this autumn will be offered a meningitis B vaccine as part of a major new UK-wide programme.

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Around one million people across England, Wales and Scotland are eligible for the one-off rollout, which comes after health officials raised concerns about recent meningitis B outbreaks and clusters among young adults.

The vaccine will be available to Year 13 pupils in England and Wales, S6 pupils in Scotland, and 18-to-25-year-olds starting university or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.

Why is the meningitis B vaccine being offered now?

Health officials say the programme has been introduced following what they describe as the UK's largest and fastest-growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year, alongside further clusters in Weymouth and Reading.

Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to life-threatening illness, including meningitis and sepsis.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), young people entering university are considered at increased risk because of close social contact, shared accommodation and behaviours such as sharing drinks, vapes or kissing.

James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in England, said:

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

While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn.

James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

"By offering two doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease."

Who can get the vaccine?

The one-off programme will broadly be available to:

Two doses are needed for maximum protection, given at least 28 days apart.

In England, vaccinations will be offered through community pharmacies during July and August. Eligible Year 13 pupils will be contacted directly through the NHS App, text message, email or letter.

A family's warning after losing their son

The announcement comes after the death of 18-year-old university student Aaron Mills from Worcestershire in January 2026.

Aaron had recently started studying at Liverpool John Moores University and developed what initially appeared to be mild flu-like symptoms while home for Christmas.

His father told the BBC:

"When the hospital told us it was meningitis, I was confused, because I thought Aaron had been vaccinated, and we checked and he was.

"But we didn't know until afterwards that there are different strains of meningitis."

Aaron had received the routine MenACWY vaccine, which protects against different meningococcal strains but not against meningitis B.

His father added: "The impact this has had on the family and friends is horrific. The pain is unbearable."

Why students are calling for longer-term protection

Cardiff University graduate Lana Quinlan has campaigned for wider access to the MenB vaccine after contracting meningitis while studying.

Now 22, she says she continues to experience long-term health effects including chronic migraines, memory loss and photophobia, an extreme sensitivity to bright light.

Speaking about the new programme, she said:

"It's certainly a step in the right direction, but it should be a be a permanent thing."

It's certainly a step in the right direction, but it should be a be a permanent thing.

Lana Quinlan, Cardiff University graduate

She added:

"I can't see why it should only be a year. It will benefit so many people, especially in higher education."

"You'll just have one generation that's covered, instead of everyone that wants to be."

How effective is the meningitis B vaccine?

The vaccine being used, Bexsero, is already part of the routine infant vaccination programme in the UK.

Evidence from that programme suggests vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in meningitis B disease among eligible children.

Professor Shamez Ladhani of the UKHSA said the decision followed "three rather unusual clusters of MenB disease" and concerns that cases could increase in future years.

He said: "So far the number of cases this year is no different to the case numbers that we've seen in the last few years, but given that we are seeing these cases in young adults, action is being taken to protect those who are at highest risk immediately."

Experts are continuing to assess whether the vaccine should eventually be offered more widely as part of the routine adolescent immunisation programme.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Meningitis symptoms can appear suddenly and may not all occur at the same time.

Common symptoms include:

Health charities are urging parents and young people to stay aware of symptoms and seek urgent medical help if they are concerned, even if they have been vaccinated.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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