Young people in East Riding encouraged to book MenB vaccination ahead of launch

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Have you seen the news about the MenB vaccine offer starting next week? 

This time-limited MenB vaccine programme will be offered to: 

  • Year 13 students (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) 
  • All undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026 
  • Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026. 

In England, vaccinations will begin next Monday, 20 July 2026 at community (high street) pharmacies, with the offer remaining open until 31 March 2027.  

Year 13 students will receive an invite from the NHS to pre-book an appointment, with the remaining eligible groups able to walk-in at participating pharmacies.  

Eligible students will need two doses of the MenB vaccine â€“ the first being offered from Monday, 20 July and the second dose from August. Please note, it takes a further two weeks after the second dose for the body to build a good level of protection.  

This is a one-off, time-limited programme to offer vaccination to those at highest risk in response to recent meningitis outbreaks in the south-east of England, ahead of a full review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 

What does the MenB vaccine protect from? 

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 this type of bacteria spreading. 

If you have any questions, check out the UK Health Security Agency blog post.

Is your young person heading off to university or college this autumn? 

There are a number of other important vaccinations young people are advised to check they have had, especially ahead of going to university or college, including MenACWY which helps protect against four other types of bacteria linked to meningitis, plus both doses of MMR, HPV and the 3 in 1 teenage booster (Td/IPV).  

Parents and carers are advised to check their young person's red book or contact their GP if unsure. The full list of vaccinations can be found on the NHS website.

Zoe Stevens, Deputy Director of Public Health (Health Protection and Healthy Start in Life) at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: 

We know that the highest number of cases of meningitis and septicaemia beyond early childhood are seen in 18- to 19-year-olds, and university freshers have a risk that is around seven times higher than other young people who do not go to university. 

 â€œTogether with our local health partners, we encourage all young people in East Riding to check their eligibility for this limited MenB vaccination programme or book an appointment when they receive an invite from the NHS, as well as checking they have had all their other routine NHS vaccines.  

“For the MenB vaccine, it is really important that young people get that first dose as soon as they can, so they have enough time to get the second vaccine 28 days later, and ahead of going to university to build up a good level of protection in their body.  

“If parents, carers or young people have any worries, please speak to a trusted health professional like your school nurse, GP or pharmacist. The NHS webpage or UKHSA blog are also great resources covering common questions and explaining how the vaccine works and why it is being offered this summer. 

Download the NHS guide to meningococcal B vaccines that help to protect against meningitis and septicaemia. 
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