Meningitis and MenB Vaccination – Information for Students

Posted on October 28th, 2026

Free MenB vaccinations now available for eligible students

The NHS is now offering free meningococcal B (MenB) vaccinations to eligible young people and students through participating community pharmacies.

This is a one-off, time-limited vaccination programme introduced in July 2026.

Who is eligible?

You can receive a free MenB vaccination if you:

• Were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, whether or not you are attending university.
• Were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students.
• Were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting at an eligible residential further education college for the first time in autumn 2026.

Students already attending university who do not meet these criteria are not routinely eligible under this programme.

How to get your MenB vaccination

The vaccine is available free of charge through participating community pharmacies.

Book your NHS MenB vaccination

Find a pharmacy offering MenB vaccinations

The MenB vaccine requires two doses, at least four weeks apart.

• First doses are available until 31 December 2026.
• Second doses are available until 31 March 2027.

Please arrange your vaccination as soon as possible if eligible. If you are not registered with a GP in England, you can still contact or visit a participating pharmacy for vaccination.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to sepsis.

The illness can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening.

How does it spread?

Meningococcal bacteria spread through close or prolonged contact, including:

• Living in shared accommodation.
• Kissing.
• Sharing drinks or vapes.

Students living in halls of residence or other shared accommodation may be at increased risk.

Other important vaccinations for students

In addition to MenB, students should check they are up to date with their routine vaccinations, particularly:

• MenACWY – protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
• MMR – protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

If you have missed your MenACWY or MMR vaccinations, please contact the practice to arrange any necessary catch-up vaccinations.

Recognising the signs of meningitis and sepsis

Symptoms can include:

• High temperature or fever.
• Severe headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Sensitivity to bright lights.
• Vomiting.
• Drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking.
• A rash that does not fade when pressed (although a rash may not develop).

Symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone develops a rash. Do not wait for a rash to appear.

If you suspect meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of certain types of meningococcal disease but does not prevent every case.

Further information:

• Meningitis in teenagers and young people
• Meningitis – Don’t ignore the signs

How to protect yourself

• Check your vaccination history and arrange any outstanding vaccinations.
• Avoid sharing drinks, vapes and other items that come into contact with saliva.
• Be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you become seriously unwell.

Register with a local GP

We encourage all students living in Loughborough to register with a local GP, ideally before they need medical care.

Being registered allows you to access routine appointments, vaccinations and ongoing healthcare.

Register with Campus View Medical Centre

You do not need to be registered with Campus View Medical Centre to receive an eligible MenB vaccination at a participating pharmacy.

If you are seriously unwell, do not delay seeking urgent medical help because you are not registered with a GP.

Further information and support

• NHS – Meningitis vaccinations
• NHS – Book a MenB vaccination
• Meningitis Research Foundation – 0808 800 3344
• Meningitis Now – 0808 80 10 388
• UK Health Security Agency