MenB vaccination deadline: Who is eligible and how to book

More than 580,000 young people in England have yet to receive their first MenB vaccination, with the NHS’s one-off offer closing to new starters on 31 December 2026. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on 12 November that just 28.2% of the main eligible birth-date group had received a first dose by 31 October.

The vaccination is free for eligible young people, including certain first-year university and residential further education students. Who can get the free MenB vaccine? Under the 2026 one-off programme, the following groups are eligible: Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.

Eligibility is based on date of birth, whether or not they are at university. First-time university entrants in autumn 2026 who were born on or after 21 July 2001, including qualifying international students and those arriving from elsewhere in the UK. First-time students at eligible residential further education colleges in autumn 2026 who were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are living in further education accommodation.

Being under 25 alone does not qualify someone outside the specified birth-date group. For older students, this is a targeted offer for those entering qualifying education for the first time in autumn 2026, not a general vaccination offer for all university students or postgraduates.

Students who have already completed an appropriate recent MenB course may not need another one. The UKHSA has published an eligibility guide and a list of eligible residential colleges . When is the deadline?

31 December 2026 is the final date for a first dose under the time-limited programme. Eligible people who receive their first dose by then can receive their second dose up to 31 March 2027 . The recommended course is two injections at least 28 days (four weeks) apart .

Having a first dose is not the same as completing the course, and UKHSA says both doses are needed for the best protection. Book online through the NHS MenB appointment service . This booking route requires registration with a GP surgery in England.

Find a participating pharmacy offering walk-in MenB vaccinations . You do not need to be registered with a GP to use a walk-in service. Call 119 free of charge if you cannot book online.

An interpreter can be arranged if needed. Older eligible students should bring evidence of their university or college place, such as an offer email or letter. The NHS booking links above cover England; students elsewhere in the UK should use vaccination arrangements provided by their local health service.

NHS MenB vaccination campaign. Image: NHS England. Why is UKHSA concerned about uptake?

UKHSA figures for the main birth-date cohort show that 228,297 of 809,957 eligible young people had received a first dose by 31 October, leaving 581,660 without a recorded first dose. Of those who started, 157,169 (68.8%) had received their second dose. These numbers do not include a full uptake count for older first-year students , which UKHSA says will be available later.

They should not be interpreted as the total number of unvaccinated people across every eligible student group. UKHSA cited several MenB outbreaks in England during 2026, including three deaths. It said first-year university students face a risk of meningococcal disease around seven times that of non-students of a similar age, partly because of increased close contact and social mixing.

MenB can cause meningitis and septicaemia (bloodstream infection). The vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B disease, but it does not prevent every cause of meningitis. The separate MenACWY vaccination protects against groups A, C, W and Y and remains important for students.

What are the symptoms of meningitis? According to the NHS, symptoms can appear suddenly and may include: high temperature or fever and unusually cold hands and feet a severe headache, a stiff neck or sensitivity to bright light vomiting, muscle and joint pain confusion, unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking seizures spots or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass.

Do not wait for a rash: some people with meningitis never develop one. Symptoms may resemble flu, a stomach bug or a hangover and can worsen rapidly. The rash can also be harder to see on brown or black skin.

If meningitis or sepsis is suspected, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. The NHS meningitis guidance explains the symptoms and when to seek emergency care. Sources UK Health Security Agency: vaccination deadline and uptake figures, 12 November 2026 UKHSA: MenB young adults vaccination coverage, up to October 2026 NHS: book a MenB vaccination NHS: participating pharmacy and walk-in service NHS: meningitis signs and symptoms