Health and care partners across West Yorkshire are encouraging eligible young people to take up a new, time-limited NHS vaccination offer to help protect against meningococcal B (MenB), a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
The one-off programme is aimed at young people identified as being at higher risk of developing MenB disease, particularly those starting university or residential further education for the first time. Evidence shows first-year university students are around seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease than young people of the same age who do not attend university. The offer for first doses runs until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
The vaccine is now available through participating community pharmacies, with appointments bookable through the NHS booking service. It is the first NHS vaccination programme to be delivered exclusively through community pharmacies, giving young people flexibility to receive their vaccinations at locations convenient to them.
The MenB vaccine offer is available to:
- people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (Year 13 academic year 2025/26)
- people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
- people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn
Dr. Sohail Abbas, Deputy Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Starting university or residential college is an exciting time, but it can also bring an increased risk of infections such as meningococcal B disease.
“Although rare, meningitis can develop very quickly and can have devastating consequences. In some cases it can be fatal, and for those who recover it can lead to life-changing complications including hearing loss, seizures, problems with movement and memory, and, in some cases, amputations.
“Vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell with meningococcal disease. We would strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to book their appointment as soon as possible and complete both doses before starting university or residential further education.”
The MenB vaccine is given as a two-dose course, with both doses needed for maximum protection. Dose two can be given 28 days after the first dose, and it takes around six weeks from the first vaccination to achieve full protection.
Young people in the Year 13 cohort will be invited by the NHS to book an appointment at a participating pharmacy. Those invited can choose which pharmacy they want to get their vaccine from the participating list available online in the National Booking Service or by calling 119 to book an appointment. Translations are available when calling this service.
Those under the age of 25 years, born on or after 21 July 2001, who are starting university or college for the first time this autumn as a residential student, will need to self-declare their eligibility by arranging an appointment at a participating community pharmacy and provide proof of their university offer. This could be a UCAS email or letter or university offer email or letter.
Health leaders are also reminding young people and their families to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, which can develop rapidly and require urgent medical attention. Symptoms can include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, drowsiness, seizures and a rash. Anyone who suspects meningitis should call 999 immediately.
This post is based on a press release issued by the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Photo: Shutterstock
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