Eligible young people are being offered two doses of the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine to help protect them before the new academic year with online booking opening from 13 July 2026.
Residents are being made aware of a new one-off NHS vaccination programme, announced by the Government for young people at higher risk of meningococcal B disease, also known as MenB.
Dr. Nada Lemic, Director of Public Health at Bromley Council said, “Starting university or living away from home for the first time is an exciting step, but it can also mean more close contact with others. This vaccine offers important protection against a serious illness. If you think you or your child may be eligible, please look out for NHS information and book both doses when invited.”
The programme will offer the MenB vaccine to all Year 13 pupils, and to young people aged under 25 who are starting university or some types of residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine?
- Young people in the school year 13 age group (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
- Young people born on or after 27 July 2001 and starting as an undergraduate at university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026.
For information online booking for MenB vaccination appointments and walk-in pharmacies, visit: https://nhs.uk/book-menb.
Online booking:
- You can book an appointment online if you are 17 to 18 years old and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England.
- Find out how to register with a GP surgery if you are not registered.
- Online booking opens on 13 July 2026.
Walk-in pharmacies:
- You can get a walk-in MenB vaccine at a pharmacy if you are aged 17 to 18 and born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
- Or are aged 24 or under and starting university of further education for the first time in 2026.
- Or are an international student in further education or at university in England.
- Pharmacies will offer MenB vaccines from 20 July until 31 December 2026.
Eligible young people will need two doses of the MenB vaccine for protection, with the second dose required four weeks after the first dose.
MenB can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and sepsis. Meningitis can become serious very quickly, so it is important to know the signs and get help straight away if you are worried.
Symptoms can include a high temperature, being sick, headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, seizures, or a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it. These symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone gets all of them.
Eligible residents should check NHS information, look out for messages from their school, college, GP or vaccination service, and make sure they attend for both doses of the vaccine.
Young people who are unsure if they are eligible should contact their GP practice, school, college or university health service for advice. International students under 25 who are starting their first year of university in England should try to get their first dose in their home country where possible.
If you think someone may have meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E straight away. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
For more information on Meningitis, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
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For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk