Free NHS MenB vaccine for Year 13 & new students
From July 2026, the NHS is offering a one-off Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination through community pharmacies to protect young people heading to university and college this autumn. Check your eligibility below in under a minute — and if you're not in the NHS group, we'll point you to private MenB at our Manchester clinic. Appointments will open closer to the time — register your interest to be first to know.
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Which best describes you?
The free NHS MenB vaccine is being offered to a specific group of young people for autumn 2026.
I'm in school Year 13
Born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
I'm starting university for the first time this autumn (2026)
A first-year undergraduate / fresher
I'm starting further education & moving into halls/residence this autumn
Living in college accommodation for the first time
None of these
e.g. already at university, older than this, or not starting a course
This is general guidance, not a clinical decision or a booking. The pharmacy confirms NHS eligibility against acceptable evidence (such as an offer letter, email or screenshot from your school, college or university) at your appointment. Eligibility and dates follow UKHSA and NHS England / Community Pharmacy England guidance.
Who can get the free NHS MenB vaccine?
The autumn-2026 programme is a one-off, time-limited offer for the age group most at risk. You're eligible on the NHS if you fall into one of these three groups and haven't completed a MenB course in the last 5 years:
Year 13 pupils
Young people in school Year 13, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 — whether or not you're going on to university.
New university students (under 25)
First-year undergraduates (“freshers”) starting higher education for the first time in autumn 2026 who are under 25 — born on or after 21 July 2001. International first-years are included.
New residential FE students (under 25)
People starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 who'll be living in halls or residential accommodation, and who are under 25 (born on or after 21 July 2001).
Already had MenB? If you're in an eligible group but have completed a full course of MenB vaccination in the last 5 years, you won't need it again now. The pharmacy will confirm your eligibility against acceptable evidence (such as an offer letter, email or screenshot of your place) when you attend.
When does it start, and how do I book?
The timeline
- The NHS pharmacy service launches in July 2026 and runs to 31 March 2027.
- First doses are available up to 31 December 2026; second doses up to 31 March 2027.
- Two doses, at least 28 days apart — both are needed for protection.
- Allow ~2 weeks after the second dose to build good immunity, so start in good time before term.
Booking at our pharmacy
Appointments will open closer to the time. Register your interest now and we'll let you know the moment NHS MenB booking goes live — and remind you to bring evidence of your school, college or university place.
Why is the NHS offering MenB to students now?
The programme responds to recent meningococcal disease activity and the long-recognised higher risk in this age group. First-year university students living in close contact — for example in halls of residence — have a risk of meningococcal disease around 7 times higher than young people of a similar age who don't go to university. Meningococcal disease can progress from first symptoms to life-threatening illness within hours, so the aim is to get the at-risk group protected with two doses before the start of term.
Not eligible on the NHS? Private MenB at our Manchester clinic
The NHS offer is limited to the groups above. If you fall outside it — perhaps you're a returning student, over 25, a parent arranging protection for your family, or simply want peace of mind — you can still have the same MenB vaccine privately. It's the same two-dose course (at least 28 days apart), from £110 per dose, with evening and weekend appointments available.
MenB FAQ
NHS MenB vaccine — your questions answered
Official sources & guidance
The eligibility, dates and dosing on this page follow the official NHS and UK Health Security Agency guidance and the NHS England / Community Pharmacy England service specification. Always check the latest details, as programme dates can be updated:
Be ready for the MenB rollout
Register your interest for the free NHS MenB service from July 2026, or book privately now if you're not eligible. We're a pharmacist-led clinic in Timperley, between Altrincham and Manchester.