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Thousands of students in the East of England are being urged by the NHS to book their potentially lifesaving meningitis B vaccine from this week before university term starts in September.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart, and the first vaccination appointments will be available from Monday (20 July) but can be booked now.

From this week, thousands of appointments to get the vaccine can be booked at high street pharmacies across the East of England, offering vital protection for 17 and 18-year-olds, and any students under the age of 25 who are heading to residential colleges or university this autumn for the first time. Over 900 pharmacies in the East of England so far have signed up to help make this lifesaving jab available, with over 450 pharmacies already ready with appointments from 20 July, and more being added daily.

17 and 18-year-olds can book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies.

Other eligible people can contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment, which start from Monday (20th July).

What is the MenB vaccine for?

Meningococcal B – commonly known as Meningitis B – 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, such as living in the same house or accommodation as them, or other close contact like sharing drinks or vapes.

Students in their 1st year of university have a risk that is about 7 times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university.

In total, around a million young people are expected to be eligible for the vaccine. Those who are eligible are:

• people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some further education colleges for the first time this autumn on a residential basis

It is essential to get 2 doses of the vaccine to get protection from Meningitis B, and these need to be at least 28 days apart. Booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.

Why should I have the vaccine?

Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows that vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in Meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.

There have also been more clusters of MenB cases than normal this year, some of which have been bigger than expected. This includes an outbreak in Kent earlier this year which claimed 2 lives.

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “Starting university is a very exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is seven times higher for students than for other young people.

“Students spend a lot of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.

“Men B can be extremely serious, so our message is simple: get vaccinated now so you are fully protected for the first day at Uni.”

William Rial, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England – East of England, said: “Pharmacies in the East of England are ready and waiting to help students enjoy their first term at university without the fear of MenB.

“Get protected over the summer and get both your jabs booked now at one of the many participating pharmacies across the region – there will be one near you.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said: “Vaccines save lives, which is why we’re offering the Meningitis B vaccine to around 1 million students as part of vital actions we’re taking to better protect young people.

“We’re also launching our new taskforce which will strengthen ties between the health and education sectors. We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK.

“By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.”