UK rolls out one‑off MenB vaccine for school leavers and university students

British health authorities are launching a one‑off meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme aimed at roughly one million young people. The scheme targets all Year 13 pupils (aged 17‑18) and anyone under 25 who will start university or residential further‑education courses in the autumn of 2026. Two doses of the Bexsero vaccine, at least 28 days apart, will be offered beginning 20 July, with the second dose in August, using NHS app notifications, texts, letters and community pharmacies for appointments.

The programme is a direct response to the country’s largest MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year, which killed two teenagers and was followed by larger‑than‑expected clusters in Dorset and Berkshire. Health Secretary James Murray said, “The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk.” In Scotland, Public Health Minister Maree Todd added, “Protecting the health of young people in Scotland is an absolute priority.”

Eligibility includes those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as any under‑25s entering higher education for the first time, including international students. The vaccine has been part of the infant programme since 2015 but not routinely offered to adolescents, prompting this emergency rollout to curb serious illness and potential larger outbreaks in university residences.