From the 20th July 2026, community pharmacies will be offering the MenB vaccination to the following cohorts:
- Individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current Year 13 students)
- Individuals born on or after 21 July 2001 who are entering Higher Education or Residential Further Education (HERFE) for the first time in Autumn 2026
The programme will be delivered from 20th July 2026 to 31st March 2027. Please see programme letter below for more information.
Meningococcal B (MenB) time limited vaccination offer letter – GOV.UK
As of today (13/7), Year 13 pupils (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) can book their MenB vaccination through the NHS national booking service, ahead of appointments becoming available at participating community pharmacies from Monday 20 July 2026.
Eligible students are being contacted via the NHS App, text, or letter, depending on contact details held by the NHS. However, they do not need to wait if they are eligible.
Under 25s (born on or after 21 July 2001) who are starting university or certain residential further education settings for the first time this autumn, are also eligible for the vaccine. However, they will not receive an invitation from the NHS but can self-refer and get a vaccination at a participating pharmacy. This service will open on Monday 20th July 2026.
Eligible Year 13 students should use the national booking system. Individuals in the HERFE cohort should use the Pharmacy Services finder to locate a participating pharmacy.
We have received a number of queries about meningitis vaccines following recent reports of cases in parts of the UK.
Routine meningitis vaccines
Children are offered 3 doses of the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
They are offered the vaccine with other routine vaccines at: 8 weeks, 12 weeks & 1 years old. It’s best to have the MenB vaccines on time so children are protected when they’re most at risk of getting MenB illnesses.
If your child has missed any of their MenB vaccines, contact the GP surgery to arrange. They can have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2, but we cannot give it above that age.
- MenB vaccine
Given to babies as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule (introduced in 2015) - MenACWY vaccine
Offered to young people in Year 9 (age 13–14)
If missed, it can still be given up to age 25
If you are unsure about vaccination status
Please consult your child’s red book or the NHS App.
Private vaccinations
Outside of the NHS eligibility criteria above, meningitis vaccines are not available on the NHS and would need to be arranged privately.
Important symptoms to be aware of
Seek urgent medical help if you notice:
- Rash that does not fade when pressed
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Cold hands or feet
- Confusion
Further information
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menacwy-vaccine/
Contacting the Practice
If you have any queries about meningitis or vaccinations, please email us at surgeryreception@nhs.net
Please avoid calling the practice about this, as our reception team are not able to give advice without a clinician reviewing your medical record. Email allows us to review your query safely and respond appropriately.