Those eligible for the new one-off vaccine are:
- young people who complete year 13 of education in the summer of 2026 born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- under 25s starting university or moving into some residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026
Everyone eligible will be:
- contacted directly through the NHS app, text, email, or letter
- able to book appointments for two doses of the vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, in July and August
Meningitis is spread through close contact, such as sharing drinks, vapes or kissing, or living in the same accommodation.
Figures show cases disproportionately affecting young adults and teenagers, as well as infants who are already offered the vaccine through the NHS.
Government says the one-off vaccination programme will help protect those at highest immediate risk.
Meanwhile, it is assessing new data to determine whether there has been a change in the way MenB affects people and whether any further vaccine rollout is required.
Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows that vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in MenB disease among eligible vaccinated groups.
Kent County Council Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: “MenB outbreaks are relatively uncommon but, as the recent outbreak in Kent sadly showed, when they occur they can be devastating.
"We're waiting to see the advice to government on a longer term MenB vaccine programme. In the meantime, this new one-off programme will give reassurance to many young people preparing to start college or university, as well as their families.
"As Meningitis can be life-threatening, the important thing is everyone who is eligible gets both their doses because that is what is needed to ensure maximum protection.”
