One million young people in the UK will have access to a vaccine to protect them against Meningitis B. This is a one-off programme that is responding to the concerns of the largest outbreak of meningitis to date in Kent this year and other outbreaks too across the country including Weymouth and Reading.

Meningitis can be spread virally and bacterially where the bacterial meningitis can have more detrimental effects. Bacterial meningitis can be spread through prolonged close contact e.g. living in close proximity (such as in halls), kissing and sharing of vapes. These events are very common when students begin University and move into shared accommodation with new people. Meningitis can be extremely serious and even cause death.

This one-off MenB vaccination programme will be offered to year 13 students in the summer of 2026 and young people aged 18-25 who are starting university of moving into residential further education settings for the first time in September/October 2026.

Year 13s will be contacted via the NHS app, text, email or letter but others will need to approach their pharmacies directly to get protected.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/art...

1. Why is the UK offering the MenB vaccine to young people?

2. Who is eligible for the MenB vaccination programme?

3. Why are university students considered at higher risk of meningitis B?