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We're urging eligible students in the east of England to book their vital second MenB vaccine (meningococcal B) dose ahead of university starting over the next few weeks.

Nearly a quarter of a million doses have now been administered nationally, with more than 37,000 jabs given in the east of England so far to those eligible for the one-off programme by the NHS in England since the start of the MenB vaccine programme on 20 July 2026.

Two doses, at least 28 days apart, are needed for full protection, and NHS vaccination leads are urging young people to book their second jab now, as freshers’ weeks begin in the coming weeks. And for those who haven’t yet had their first jab, it’s not too late to start getting protected ahead of term.

This is a time-limited offer (with first doses offered until 31 December 2026 and second doses offered until 31 March 2027), to enable late attendees, and international students who arrive in the UK after the summer months, to accept the offer of 2 doses. 

Anyone who is eligible can now book online via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies or contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “The best of luck to everyone off to university this month.

“As you plan your accommodation, please make sure you’re also getting both your Men B jabs on your ‘to-do’ list this summer.

“The bacteria that cause MenB can be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing a drink, a vape or a kiss. It can even just be from prolonged close contact with the person, such as living in the same home.

“If you haven’t got yours yet, do. This vaccine needs two doses to be most effective, so if you’re eligible, please come forward and book as soon as possible to give you the best protection you can.

“You can also make sure you’re up to date with your Men ACWY vaccination, HPV and teenage booster against polio and diphtheria. The main thing is to get your second dose, and get protected.”

MenB infection can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis (blood poisoning). This can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage – and in some cases can prove fatal.

The bacteria that cause MenB disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person. The vaccine provides the best protection against the infection. There are hundreds of thousands of Men B vaccination appointments available to patients and enough stock to vaccinate everyone eligible.

Sarah Cavanagh, Public Health Pharmacist NHSE East of England, said: “Community pharmacies across the region have rallied to deliver this brand new vaccination service, helping protect young people heading to university or residential further education against Meningococcal B (MenB) disease, which can cause sepsis and meningitis. 

“First-year students face a risk about seven times higher than non-students so people have really valued being able to get both of their MenB jabs so easily.

“There is plenty of stock and you still have time to get protected this autumn if you book now.”