Following the Meningococcal (MenB) outbreak among University of Kent students in March 2026, an urgent time-limited MenB vaccination programme will be offered before autumn 2026 to eligible young people attending university or a residential further education institution for the first time.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine
The MenB vaccine is available to:
- young people currently aged 17 to 18 years, with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008, whether or not they intend to start further or higher education
- young people born on or after 21 July 2001, including international students and those from the UK devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies, who:
- are due to start undergraduate higher education in autumn 2026
- will be living in further education or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026 (proof of your course offer will be required)
You do not need to get the vaccine if you:
- are turning 25 before 21 July 2026
- are a postgraduate student
- are not entering higher education such as university or a residential further education institution for the first time in autumn 2026
- have already completed a two-dose course of Bexsero within the last five years
- have already completed a two-dose course of Trumenba within the last five years with the doses given at least six months apart
- have already completed a three-dose course of Trumenba within the last five years
- this may include vaccination through a private vaccination service or sexual health clinic