- Home
-
Services
-
Locations
-
Destinations
- Pricing
- FAQs
- Blog
- About Us
- Contact Us
- Book Appointment
A one-off MenB vaccine programme for eligible young people, including students starting university or residential further education in autumn 2026.
Check Your EligibilityA time-limited MenB vaccine offer for eligible young people — including those starting university or moving into residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026. Two doses, free on the NHS.
Eligibility Notice: This free NHS service is strictly for the eligible groups listed below, under NHS guidance. Please do not attend or book if you are not eligible — you will not be vaccinated. If you have completed a MenB course in the past 5 years, you do not need further vaccination now.
A time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available now for eligible young people, including those starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026.
The programme has been introduced in response to recent meningitis outbreaks, while a full review of the evidence by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is underway. It is available across all four nations of the UK — this page covers access in England.
Starting Uni This Autumn?
Get your first dose well before term begins
In England, you are eligible if you are in one of these three groups. If you're unsure, our pharmacists can help you check.
Born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and registered with a GP surgery in England. Book online through the NHS — first-dose appointments from 20 July 2026.
All undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 attending university for the first time in autumn 2026 — including international students and those from the devolved nations and Crown Dependencies.
Born on or after 21 July 2001, starting further education for the first time in autumn 2026, and living in further education accommodation.
The programme runs across all four UK nations and Crown Dependencies. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, please check your local public health guidance for how to access the vaccine in your area.
How you get vaccinated depends on which eligible group you're in. This applies to England.
If you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can book online now. First-dose appointments begin from 20 July 2026. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England.
Book on the NHS WebsiteIf you were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn, you can get your MenB vaccine at a participating pharmacy from 20 July 2026. This includes international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery.
Two doses are essential for protection — start early, ideally well before the autumn term begins.
Dose 1
From 20 July 2026
Get your first dose as early as possible. Book online (17–18 cohort) or walk in at a participating pharmacy (eligible students).
Dose 2
At Least 28 Days Later
Your second dose is offered from August and must be given at least 28 days after the first. Both doses are essential.
Protected
2 Weeks After Dose 2
It takes a further 2 weeks after your second dose to build a good level of immunity. Protection lasts at least 5 years.
The MenB vaccine has been used routinely in the UK infant programme since 2015 and meets strict safety standards.
Used in the UK infant vaccination programme since 2015, a study in babies showed a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups.
Most side effects are mild and pass within a day or two: fever, swelling or tenderness at the injection site, nausea, headache or muscle aches. Paracetamol helps. Serious side effects are rare.
Protection from the full two-dose course lasts for at least 5 years. If you completed a MenB course in the past 5 years, you do not need further vaccination now.
The vaccine covers most, but not all, MenB strains and does not protect against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Stay aware of the signs and symptoms and seek early medical help if concerned about someone's health.
Not eligible for the NHS offer? The MenB vaccine can be obtained privately from many travel clinics, pharmacies and some private GP practices. Speak to our team on 023 9212 3456 for advice.
Eligible students can walk in for their free MenB vaccine — no appointment or GP registration needed. We recommend calling ahead to confirm same-day availability at your branch.
Bosmere Pharmacy
Davies Pharmacy
Emsworth Pharmacy
Rowlands Castle
Common questions about the free NHS Meningitis B vaccine programme.
Check Your EligibilityTwo doses, around 6 weeks to full protection — so don't leave it until Freshers' Week. Eligible students can walk in at our Hampshire pharmacies from 20 July 2026.
This NHS MenB vaccination programme is delivered strictly under NHS eligibility guidance, which may change — always check the latest NHS information. Vaccination is provided only to those in the eligible groups; please do not book or attend if you are not eligible, as you will not be vaccinated. This information does not replace medical advice: the MenB vaccine does not protect against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia, so remain aware of the signs and symptoms and seek early medical help if concerned. Southdowns Pharmacy pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Thailand 
India 
Cape Verde 
Kenya