UK Launches One-off MenB Vaccination for Year 13 and First-Year Students

James Murray announced a one-off MenB programme for Year 13 pupils (born 1 Sept 2007-31 Aug 2008) and anyone under 25 starting university or residential further-education in autumn 2026, delivering two Bexsero doses, four weeks apart, via pharmacies. Invitations will be sent through the NHS App, text, email or letter.

One million people to be offered vaccine after deadly virus outbreak

MenB, a bacterial infection causing meningitis or sepsis, has been offered to infants since 2015 but not to teenagers. England recorded 313 confirmed MenB cases in 2024/25—83 % of invasive meningococcal disease, with a case-fatality rate near 10 %. The March 2026 Kent outbreak produced 21 cases and two deaths, underscoring risk for first-year university students. First pharmacy appointments start in late July, with second doses in August.

Thousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine

James Murray said the outbreak may signal a shift in MenB behaviour. Caroline Temmink confirmed pharmacy delivery and NHS-App contact. Dr Thomas Waite highlighted the 10 % fatality risk and urged uptake. JCVI is reviewing a routine adolescent schedule.

MenB vaccination programme to be rolled out in pharmacies

JCVI deemed teenage MenB vaccination not cost-effective. Louise Jones-Roberts called the one-off approach “puzzling” and urged a rolling programme. Dr Julian Spinks warned of logistical challenges delivering the second dose during holidays. Pharmacies reported a surge in demand after the Kent outbreak; families welcomed the offer.

Kent Messenger

Some officials cite a rise in clusters, yet Dr Shamez Ladhani noted case numbers this year are comparable to previous years, attributing increases to waning immunity. Details on coordinating second-dose appointments during holidays remain unclear.

One million people to be offered vaccine after deadly virus outbreak

• “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 as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn.” — James Murray, Health Secretary

The Guardian

• “Vinny Smith, Chief Executive, Meningitis Research Foundation said: We welcome this announcement to protect young people at the highest immediate risk of MenB, including its speedy implementation so many can get vital protection before going to university in the autumn.” — Vinny Smith, Chief Executive, Meningitis Research Foundation

Thousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine

• “He said: “The question about eligibility is always difficult, because you have to have boundaries to be able to deliver a programme, and at the moment, given how quickly we’ve had to work, we have had to prioritise those who are at highest risk.” — Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist, UKHSA

One million people to be offered vaccine after deadly virus outbreak

• “these are young, preventable, completely unnecessary deaths.” — Louise Jones-Roberts, Owner, Club Chemistry, Canterbury

Kent Messenger

The JCVI will issue further advice on a possible permanent adolescent MenB programme. Public health officials will monitor vaccine uptake and any change in MenB incidence to guide future policy.

MenB Vaccine Offered to Young People After Kent Outbreak