NHS brings MenB vaccinations to campus during Freshers’ Week

New university students embarking on the first year of their degrees this autumn are being offered free NHS MenB vaccinations at the University of Reading during Freshers’ Week.

NHS England has commissioned several community pharmacies to run on-campus vaccination clinics at a number of universities across the South East this week.The clinics will give eligible students who have not yet received their first or second dose another opportunity to come forward during Freshers’ Week.

The campus clinics form part of the one-off, time-limited, NHS MenB vaccination programme launched on 20 July this year to protect young people at highest immediate risk of the MenB disease. The wider programme is being delivered primarily through participating community pharmacies across the region.

According to the latest published monthly figures, 49,015 MenB vaccinations have been administered in the South East since the programme launched—more than in any other NHS region in England.

Students in their first year of university have a risk of meningococcal disease around seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not attend university. MenB can cause meningitis and sepsis, can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening.

MenB outbreaks are uncommon, but the disease can be very serious and have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities, as seen in the unrelated outbreaks in Kent and Reading.

Alicia Siraj, Interim Deputy Director of Public Health for NHS England South East immunisations, said:

“Freshers’ Week is an exciting milestone, but living and socialising closely with lots of new people can increase the risk of MenB spreading. By bringing vaccination clinics to several university campuses across the South East this week, alongside the extensive community pharmacy offer, we are making it easier for eligible young people to get protected.

“The South East has already delivered the highest number of MenB vaccinations in the country, which is a fantastic achievement. But anyone who is eligible and has not yet started or completed the two-dose course should come forward as soon as possible. Both doses are needed for protection and must be given at least 28 days apart.”

Paddy Woodman, Director of Student Services, The University of Reading, said:

“We want every student to feel supported as they begin university life, and protecting their health is an important part of that. Bringing the MenB vaccine directly onto campus makes it quick and convenient for eligible students to get protected during Freshers’ Week.

“I would encourage our eligible new starters who have not yet had their first dose – or who still need their second – to take advantage of the clinic while it is here this week.”

Meningitis Research Foundation Ambassadors will also attend several universities to raise awareness of meningococcal disease and help students understand the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking urgent medical help if they become unwell.

Caroline Hughes, Senior Support Services Manager at Meningitis Research Foundation:

“2026 offers a unique opportunity for many young people across the UK who are starting university – the chance to protect themselves against MenB by having the free vaccine now available on the NHS.

“Having supported thousands of people during outbreaks of cases this year, we know the deep worry MenB cases bring to families and communities. That’s why we are supporting the MenB vaccine roll out in every way we can, including by having our Ambassadors, all of whom have experienced meningitis, at university Freshers’ Fairs across the South East.

“We’re here to raise awareness, answer questions, and make sure as many young people as possible are fully protected against MenB.”

The one-off NHS offer is available to:

• young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008;
• undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026; and
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and will live in accommodation at an eligible further education setting.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are needed for protection, given at least 28 days apart. Eligible people can receive their first dose until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.

The MenB vaccine has been used routinely in the UK infant vaccination programme since 2015. It has a good safety record and has contributed to a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated age groups.