The government is set to roll out a large-scale meningitis B (menB) vaccination campaign targeting approximately one million young individuals. This initiative will provide a one-time vaccination opportunity to Year 13 pupils aged 17 and 18, as well as those under 25 commencing university or similar residential further education this fall. The initial dose will be administered starting July 20, followed by a second dose in August, with a minimum 28-day interval required for full immunity.
This effort follows a series of meningitis outbreaks, notably in Kent, where two teenagers tragically lost their lives earlier this year. Juliette Kenny, 18, was among the casualties of the Kent outbreak, prompting her family to advocate for wider access to the menB vaccine for teenagers and young adults.
Year 13 students will receive notifications via the NHS app, text messages, or letters to schedule their vaccination appointment for the Bexsero jab produced by GSK. Individuals under 25 can directly book their vaccination at pharmacies.
The vaccination program targets those completing Year 13 this summer and born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, regardless of university attendance. Those missing the August dose due to holidays can still receive it in September, as the program is facilitated by community pharmacists.
According to UKHSA, the risk of menB is notably higher in first-year university students due to close and prolonged interactions in shared living spaces. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, emphasized the urgency of protecting young people at heightened risk as they begin university or residential college this autumn.
The menB vaccine has been available for infants through the NHS since 2015, leaving many current university students unprotected against this potentially lethal infection. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thomas Waite stressed the severity of meningococcal B disease and encouraged timely vaccination for maximum protection, especially for first-time university and further education attendees this autumn.