Who is eligible? 

• Everyone in England and Wales born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (school year 13 in 2025/26) 
• Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be starting higher education for the first time, or who will be starting further education as a residential student for the first time, in Autumn 2026. This includes international students and students in the UK Devolved Administrations and Crown Dependencies.  

Who isn’t eligible?  

• Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are not attending higher education, or starting further education as a residential student, for the first time in Autumn 2026.
• Postgraduate students, as they aren’t entering higher education or residential further education for the first time in Autumn 2026.
• Anyone who has completed a two-dose course of Bexsero a two-dose course of Trumenba (with the doses given at least six months apart) or a three-dose course of Trumenba within the last five years.  

Why isn’t this programme being offered to all young people? 
This is a time-limited offer of vaccination for those at highest risk. On 16 July, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published its recommendation and additional considerations to Government on a routine MenB programme for adolescents. This will now be considered by Government to determine if any additional offer of MenB vaccine should be made.

Data on invasive meningococcal disease over the last five years has shown the highest number of cases, after infancy, are seen in 18 to 19-year-olds. Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university. Among university students, the evidence is that risk is highest among those living in catered halls of residence. 

It is important that anyone going to university or further education that is eligible gets both doses of the MenB vaccine, wherever possible, before they leave home to start their university or further education course. 

What about gap year students? 
Gap year students are eligible if they were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are entering higher education or will be living at residential further education for the first time in Autumn 2026.  

What about international students? 
Eligible international students can get the vaccine free of charge regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Two doses of the vaccine are essential for protection so, to ensure as many young people as possible are protected before the Autumn term, international students are advised to seek the first dose of the MenB vaccination in the country they’re currently in, and before they travel to the UK, where possible.  

What about boarding schools?  
Boarding school students are only eligible in England if born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (school year 13 2025/26). Other students aren’t eligible because they don’t tend to have the same mixing patterns as young people of their age attending higher or residential further education and are therefore not at the same level of risk. 

What about young people in detained setting such as young offenders institutes?  
Young people in detained settings such as young offenders institutes are only eligible in England if born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current school year 13 2025/26). All other young people in detained settings aren’t eligible because they don’t have the same mixing patterns as young people of their age attending higher or residential further education. 

What about those living in migrant accommodation?  
Young people living in migrant accommodation are only eligible in England if born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (school year 13 2025/26). All other young people in migrant accommodation aren’t eligible because they don’t tend to have the same mixing patterns as young people of their age attending higher or residential further education. 

Where and when can people get vaccinated? 
In England, vaccines will be available at community pharmacies, with the booking system going live on 13 July. The programme starts from 20 July 2026 in England, giving eligible people time to complete both doses before cases typically rise in the autumn. 
All those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 will be contacted by the NHS and sent a link through which they can book a pharmacy appointment to get the vaccine. Other university and residential further education students who are not born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and are eligible can book their vaccine directly at a participating community pharmacy.

Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can (noting that a minimum interval of 28 days is required between the two doses). 
Individuals should also make sure they are up to date with other vaccines they may be still eligible for including MenACWY, MMR, HPV and catch up at their GP practice. All those who are eligible for the MenB vaccine can continue to get first doses until 31 December 2026; they can get their second dose up to 31 March 2027.  

Do people need to book an appointment?  
Those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 will be invited to book an appointment through the National Booking Service. Other eligible people will be able to access vaccination via a walk-in appointment at participating pharmacies.  

What if people miss out on getting vaccinated before September term starts? 
If someone can’t get vaccinated before the autumn term starts, they will still be able to get their first dose until 31 December 2026 and their second dose until 31 March 2027.  

What if people are relocating to another UK nation before they have their second dose?  
Those eligible can get their first and second dose of the vaccine in any of the four nations. Note that where you get the vaccine may differ depending on which area you are moving to. 
In England, the vaccines will be offered in community pharmacies, with variation in delivery models across the devolved UK nations. 

What is MenB and why get vaccinated? 
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces makes it easier for the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease to spread, and we know that starting university puts young people at increased risk. Getting vaccinated before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.  

Young people in the eligible groups will have been offered MenACWY vaccine in year 9 or year 10. This vaccine protects against other kinds of meningococcal bacteria but will not help protect against MenB disease. So, even if someone has already received the MenACWY vaccine, getting the MenB vaccine is important. 

What MenB vaccine will be used for the programme?  
The vaccine Bexsero, manufactured by GSK, will be used for this programme. This is the same vaccine that’s been used in the MenB infant programme since 2015.  

How many doses are needed and when? 
Two doses are needed for protection. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, and it then takes a further two weeks for the body to build immunity. That means the whole process takes around six weeks from start to finish, which is why it's important for the eligible to get a first dose as early as possible - ideally well before the autumn term begins.  

What are the side effects of the vaccine? 
It's common to experience some swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site, along with mild fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches. These usually pass within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol will help manage these symptoms. More serious side effects are rare.  

If you experience any suspected side effects to the vaccine, you can report these on the Yellow Card website, by calling 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or by downloading the Yellow Card app. 

What does the vaccine protect against? 
The MenB vaccine covers most, but not all, strains of MenB that commonly cause disease in the UK. The MenB vaccine does not protect against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia nor against all strains of meningococcal bacteria. So, it remains important to be aware of signs and symptoms, the need to keep checking on those who are unwell and to seek early medical help if concerned about someone’s health. It’s also important to catch up on other vaccinations for which those of year 13 age, and those in higher and further education are eligible: you remain eligible for the MenACWY vaccination until your 25th birthday.    

How effective is the vaccine? 
The MenB vaccine covers most, but not all, strains of MenB that commonly cause disease in the UK. It has been routinely used in the UK infant vaccination programme since 2015 and in a study of babies showed a 75 per cent reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups. It has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards.  

How long does the protection last?  
Protection lasts for at least 5 years.  

Is the MenB vaccine safe? 
The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety criteria. It has been routinely used in the infant vaccination programme in the UK since 2015 and has led to 75 per cent reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups. The MenB vaccine has an excellent safety profile.   

Is the MenB vaccine safe for people with allergies? 
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually happen within minutes. The vaccinator will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. 

Is the MenB vaccine suitable for people who avoid animal products?  
There are no ingredients of animal origin in the MenB vaccine.

Has the MenB risk increased?  
Earlier this year, the fastest growing and largest MenB outbreak ever seen in the UK took place in Kent and, more broadly, the pattern of Men B outbreaks is slightly unusual this year.  
This means there is some uncertainty about the level of risk MenB could pose for young people this year, and the Government is undertaking further work to better understand whether the clinical risk has changed. It is known that young people who live in settings such as university for the first time, where they are mixing with lots of new people, are in general at greater risk of meningococcal disease than those who are not at university.    

The public health risk to the wider population remains low and the UKHSA continually monitors MenB case data to ensure the right actions are taken at the right time in response to any potential outbreaks.  

What else can people do to protect against meningitis?  
Meningitis has many causes. Young people should make sure they’re up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines, which help protect against other causes of meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine is offered in school, usually in Year 9 and you can get a free catch-up vaccine from your GP surgery up until your 25th birthday if you’ve missed out. The MMR vaccine is offered in childhood and you can get a free catch up vaccine at any age from your GP surgery if you’ve missed out.  

Vaccines can’t protect against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia nor against all strains of meningococcal bacteria. So, it remains important to be aware of signs and symptoms, the need to keep checking on those who are unwell and to seek early medical help if concerned about someone’s health.   

Does having the MenB vaccine help protect those around you?  
The MenB vaccine only protects the person that has the vaccine.

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that is caused by a particular type of coronavirus that infects the windpipe and lungs which are part of the respiratory system. There are a range of symptoms of COVID-19 including a new continuous cough, shortness of breath and an aching body. The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses including flu and a full list of symptoms is available on the NHS website. COVID-19 often gets better on its own but can lead to serious illness, which is why it's important to take up the offer of a vaccination if you are offered it.

How do I stop COVID-19 spreading?
COVID-19 is very infectious, spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. COVID-19 can be spread very easily through close contact with people who have the virus, for example via breathing and speaking. It can spread by person to person via small droplets containing the virus being released from an infected person and then picked up by another person by breathing these droplets in or touching surfaces covered in them. 

The best way to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. You can help prevent the spread by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do so, washing your hands frequently or using hand gels and cleaning surfaces you use regularly to reduce the risk of picking up the viruses. 

Can I have the vaccine if I feel unwell?
If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.

Should I get the vaccine if I think I have already had COVID-19?
If you think you’ve already had COVID-19, once you’ve recovered you should still get the vaccine as it will still help protect you.

Do I need to receive the same type of vaccine or booster as my previous ones?
No, all COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use by the NHS are effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.

Are the vaccines safe?
The COVID-19 vaccine has a good safety record, and its side effects are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days. Your safety will always come first and there are rigorous safety standards that have to be met through the approval process.  

As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the official UK regulator is globally recognised for requiring the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for medicines and vaccines. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process. Each of the vaccines are tested on tens of thousands of people across the world. They are tested on both men and women, on people from different ethnic backgrounds, and of all age groups. 

Like any other vaccine or medicine, COVID-19 vaccines are being continuously monitored for safety – the effected benefits of the vaccines far outweigh risk in the majority of patients. You and your healthcare professional can report any suspected side effects through the tried and trusted Yellow Card Scheme.

You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme:

• online at Yellow Card Scheme
• by downloading and using the Yellow Card app on Apple or Android
• by calling the Yellow Card scheme on 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm)

How do vaccines work?
Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's usually much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you.

Are there any side effects from the vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record and are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:

• having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around a day or two following the vaccination
• feeling tired 
• headache 
• general aches, or mild flu like symptoms. 

Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:

• rest
• continue to move your arm regularly
• take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.

Symptoms following vaccination normally last less than a week. If you experience a high temperature, if your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, you can call NHS 111. 

Worldwide, there have been very rare cases of inflammation of the heart called myocarditis or pericarditis reported after some COVID-19 vaccinations. These cases have been seen mostly in younger men within several days after vaccination. Most of these people recovered and felt better following rest and simple treatments. 

You should seek medical advice urgently if, after vaccination, you experience: 

• chest pain 
• shortness of breath
• feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart 

Will I be invited to get my vaccine?
You may be invited to get your vaccine by the NHS nationally or your GP practice through a letter, text or email. Don’t worry if you do not receive this. If you are eligible, you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment. If you receive an invitation from the NHS and have already been vaccinated do not worry, sometimes there is a delay in the information flowing through and you do not need to do anything. 

How can I book my vaccine?
To get your COVID-19 vaccination:

• Book online at www.nhs.uk/book-covid
• Use the NHS App
• Call 119

If you need support:

• If you can’t get online, phone 119 for help arranging your vaccinations. Interpreters will be available on request
• If you usually get your care at home, please contact your GP surgery to arrange a home visit with a local NHS service.
• If you are housebound or are not able to travel to a vaccination centre, your local NHS services will be in touch to make arrangements.
• If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user you can go online at NHS.UK, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS BSL interpreter service.