England is launching a targeted, one-off Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme for thousands of students entering higher education in autumn 2026. The initiative responds to a sharp rise in MenB activity, including the UK’s largest recorded outbreak in Kent earlier this year.
Health officials report 313 confirmed MenB cases in England during 2024-2025, representing approximately 83% of all invasive meningococcal disease. First-year students face elevated risk due to close contact in shared accommodation, with cases typically peaking in October and November.
Eligible individuals include those completing Year 13 in summer 2026 and first-time residential students under age 25. Participants will receive two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart, with vaccinations beginning in late July.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Thomas Waite emphasized that the programme provides direct protection to those at highest immediate risk. MenB can cause severe complications, including amputations and neurological damage, with mortality rates reaching 10%. While the vaccine is routine for infants, reducing disease by 75% in that cohort, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation continues to assess whether broader long-term recommendations are warranted.