All eligible young people can now book their free first or second MenB vaccination online through the NHS National Booking Service (NBS).
When the one-off programme launched in July, only eligible 17 and 18-year-olds could book online through the NBS. All other eligible young people heading to university or starting at certain further education colleges and living in student accommodation, were encouraged to contact a participating community pharmacy directly.
The service has now been expanded so everyone eligible can book online. Young people can also continue to use the NHS pharmacy finder to locate a participating community pharmacy.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first. Anyone who had their first vaccination in July should now be able to receive their second dose, depending on the date their first dose was given.
The vaccination programme was introduced following recent meningitis outbreaks and is aimed at protecting young people at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight 9,113 eligible people have already had their first dose, and there’s still time for those who haven’t yet to come forward and have it.
The programme is available to:
- Young people in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
- Undergraduate students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
- People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting a further education (FE) college course for the first time in autumn 2026 and will be living in eligible college-provided accommodation, such as halls of residence.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, GP and Clinical Lead for Vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "We are now at an important point in the MenB vaccination programme. If you had your first dose in July, please check when your second dose is due and book it now.
"Two doses are needed for protection and getting both before you head off to university or move into student accommodation is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself against meningococcal B disease.
“If you haven't had your first dose yet but you're eligible, it's not too late. Please book an appointment as soon as you can. The vaccine is available free on the NHS and taking up the offer now means you can start building your protection ahead of the new academic year."
The vaccine is available through participating community pharmacies. Eligible university and further education students can book an appointment online, with information about how to access the service available through the NHS.
The first dose remains available until 31 December 2026, while second doses can be given until 31 March 2027.
Meningococcal group B bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Students starting university and living in shared accommodation are at increased risk because close contact with large numbers of new people can make it easier for the bacteria to spread.
The MenB vaccine is different from the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered to teenagers. MenACWY does not protect against MenB, so young people who have previously had their MenACWY vaccination should still take up the MenB offer if they are eligible.
Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to book their MenB vaccination through a participating pharmacy.
To find out if you are eligible and book your MenB vaccination, visit the National Booking Service or call the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination helpline on on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
