糖心原创

If you are an international student or a UK student born after 21 July 2001 and will be living in shared accommodation for the first time in September 2026, you are eligible for the MenB vaccine programme.

This vaccination programme has been introduced in response to recent meningitis outbreaks and by getting 2 doses of the MenB vaccine before the autumn term, you can protect yourself and others.

If you are an international student, you are encouraged to get your first MenB dose before coming to the UK where possible.

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia which can lead to sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading. 

The one-off vaccination programme will be offered to:

• Everyone in England and Wales born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008 (current school year 13) or equivalent final year of school age (Year 14 or S6) in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Everyone turning 25 after 31/12/2026 who will be starting higher education for the first time, or who will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time, in autumn 2026. This includes international students and students in the UK Devolved Administrations and Crown Dependencies.
• International students under 25 entering their first year of university should receive their first dose in their home country where possible.

Eligible people will need two doses for protection, at least 28 days apart.

How to get the vaccine

• If you are 17 or 18 years old and were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can .  
  First dose appointments begin from 20 July 2026. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England.
• If you are under 25, born on or after 21 July 2001 and for the first time this autumn you are starting university or starting at some further education colleges as a residential student, you .
  This includes international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery to use this service.  

There is also a helpful  to help answer any questions you may have about this vaccination programme.