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Protect yourself against MenB before university

A new NHS vaccination programme is offering protection against meningococcal B (MenB) disease to eligible young people across England.

The vaccine is being offered as a one-off programme to help protect those at highest risk before they start university or residential further education in autumn 2026.

MenB disease is rare but can be very serious. It can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia), which can lead to life-changing disabilities or death.

Who can get the vaccine?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are currently in Year 13 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
  • Are under 25 and starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
  • Are under 25 and starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.

All eligible Year 13 students can receive the vaccine, regardless of whether they plan to go to university or college.

Why is the vaccine being offered?

Recent outbreaks and clusters of MenB disease have prompted health experts to introduce this temporary vaccination programme while further evidence is reviewed. There were 313 confirmed MenB cases in England during 2024/25, accounting for around 83% of invasive meningococcal disease cases.

Young people starting university are at increased risk because bacteria can spread more easily through close contact in shared accommodation and social settings. First-year university students have been found to have a significantly higher risk of MenB disease than other young people of a similar age.

What is MenB?

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause:

  • Meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord)
  • Septicaemia (blood poisoning)

The illness can develop quickly and become life-threatening within hours.

Although rare, MenB can cause:

  • Hearing loss
  • Brain damage
  • Amputations
  • Scarring
  • Death in around 1 in 10 cases

How does MenB spread?

The bacteria that cause MenB are spread through close and prolonged contact with an infected person.

This can include:

  • Kissing
  • Sharing drinks, water bottles or vapes
  • Living in the same household or accommodation
  • Close social contact over a prolonged period

People can carry the bacteria without feeling unwell and can pass it to others without knowing.

How many doses do I need?

You need two doses of the MenB vaccine for the best protection.

  • The first dose will be offered from July 2026.
  • The second dose should be given at least four weeks later.
  • Both doses are needed to help protect against MenB disease.

How will I be invited?

Eligible Year 13 students will be contacted by the NHS using:

  • The NHS App
  • Text message
  • Email
  • Letter

The method used will depend on the contact details held in your NHS records.

Where can I get the MenB vaccine in Essex?

The MenB vaccine will be available from participating community pharmacies across Essex.

Brentwood

  • Boots, 51 High Street, Brentwood, CM14 4RH
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, Beechwood Surgery, Pastoral Way, Warley, Brentwood, CM14 5WF
  • Ingrave Pharmacy, 21 Eastham Crescent, Ingrave, Brentwood, CM13 2BN
  • Pharmchoice Pharmacy, 9 Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AP
  • Rockleigh Court Chemist, 138 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Brentwood, CM15 8NL
  • Shenfield Pharmacy, 222 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Brentwood, CM15 8PA
  • Village Pharmacy, 86 Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, CM15 0NG

Chelmsford

  • Allied Pharmacy South Woodham Ferrers, 6 Brickfields Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5XB
  • Apple Tree Pharmacy, 6 Chelmer Village Square, Chelmsford, CM2 6RF
  • Boreham Pharmacy, The Laurels, Juniper Road, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3DX
  • Colecross Ltd, 1 Hylands Parade, Wood Street, Chelmsford, CM2 8BW
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 136 Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford, CM2 9LG
  • Galleywood Pharmacy Ltd, 39 Watchouse Road, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8PU
  • Govani Chemists, 14 Queen Elizabeth II Square, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5TD
  • Melbourne Pharmacy, 18 Melbourne Parade, Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, CM1 2DW
  • Rivermead Pharmacy, Unit 3 & 4 Rivermead Gate, Rectory Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1TR
  • Shantys, 62 Baddow Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0DL
  • Springfield Pharmacy, 1 Clematis Tye, North Springfield, Chelmsford, CM1 6GL
  • The Village Pharmacy, 52 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DU
  • Village Pharmacy, 36-38 Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5NG
  • Vision Pharmacy, 39 Imperial Avenue, Mayland, Chelmsford, CM3 6AH
  • Writtle Road Pharmacy, Unit 1A Crompton Building, Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3RW

Maldon

  • Heybridge Pharmacy, Unit 10A-10B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4GD
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 15 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA
  • Tollesbury Pharmacy, 12A East Street, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD
  • Vision Pharmacy, Longfield Medical Centre, Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DF
  • Fiveways Pharmacy, 3 Foundry Lane, Burnham-On-Crouch, CM0 8BL
  • Savages Pharmacy, 22 Station Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, CM0 8BQ

Braintree

  • Challis Pharmacy, 35 Masefield Road, Braintree, CM7 1AA
  • Christchurch Pharmacy, Mace Avenue, Off Rayne Road, Braintree, CM7 2AE
  • Christchurch Pharmacy, 70 Coggeshall Road, Braintree, CM7 9BY
  • Meadows Pharmacy, Trinovantian Way, Braintree, CM7 3JN
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 1 Doubleday Corner, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1NJ
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3PP
  • Osbon Pharmacy, 1 Potter Court, Flemming Way, Witham, CM8 2ZJ
  • Witham Pharmacy, 5 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AF

Colchester

  • Asda Pharmacy, Petrolea Close, Colchester, CO4 5TU
  • Cavalry Road Pharmacy, 15 Cavalry Road, Colchester, CO2 7GH
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 77 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EZ
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 338 Harwich Road, Colchester, CO4 3HP
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 81A East Hill, Colchester, CO1 2QW
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, St Christopher Road, Colchester, CO4 0NA
  • Dedham Pharmacy, High Street, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6DE
  • Hutt Pharmacy, 4 The Square, Iceni Way, Colchester, CO2 9EB
  • Island Pharmacy, 4 Kingsway, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8TH
  • Marks Tey Pharmacy Ltd, 89 London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, CO6 1EB
  • Mersea Road Pharmacy, 358 Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 8RB
  • Nayland Road Pharmacy, 13 Nayland Road, Mile End, Colchester, CO4 5EG
  • Prettygate Pharmacy, 102 The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester, CO3 4NW
  • Queen Street Pharmacy, 12 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PJ
  • The Hythe Pharmacy, 1-2 Hythe Quay, Colchester, CO2 8JB
  • Tiptree Pharmacy, Unit 4, 80 Church Road, Tiptree, Colchester, CO5 0HB
  • West Bergholt Pharmacy, 39 Chapel Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, CO6 3JB

Tendring

  • Connaught Avenue Pharmacy, 98 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9PT
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 30 Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 0LE
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 8 Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 0AU
  • Holland Pharmacy, 77-79 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 5UH
  • Oakley Pharmacy, 10 Oakley Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 4QZ
  • Pier Avenue Pharmacy, 85-87 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QE

Castle Point

  • Arundel Pharmacy, 96 Arundel Road, Benfleet, SS7 4EF
  • Asif’s New Pharmacy, 249-251 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RF
  • Benfleet Pharmacy, 299 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5HA
  • Cross Chemist, 133 London Road, Benfleet, SS7 5UH
  • Daynite Pharmacy, 261 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2BN
  • Elora Pharmacy, 115-117 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5LN
  • Boots, 33-37 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7AG
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 236 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7BY
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 193 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7RN
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 363 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JQ

Rochford

  • Audley Mills Pharmacy, 55-57 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7JE
  • Boots, 77 High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7EJ
  • C Percy Ltd, 212 Main Road, Hawkwell, Hockley, SS5 4EG
  • Chemicrest Pharmacy, 39-41 Spa Road, Hockley, SS5 4AZ
  • Ferry Pharmacy, 167 Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley, SS5 6JH
  • Hockley Pharmacy, 5-7 Broad Parade, Hockley, SS5 5DA
  • Shotgate Pharmacy, 312 Southend Road, Shotgate, Wickford, SS11 8QW
  • Wickford Pharmacy, 20 London Road, Wickford, SS12 0AN
  • Boots, 16 Willowdale Centre, High Street, Wickford, SS12 0RA
  • Boots, Unit 5, Silva Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR

Southend

  • Asda Pharmacy, North Shoebury Road, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 8DA
  • Bansals Pharmacy, 178 The Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3ES
  • Belfairs Pharmacy, 327 Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LT
  • Boots, 801 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2PP
  • Boots, Unit G48, Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5SA
  • Bridgwater Pharmacy, 84 Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0DH
  • Earls Hall Pharmacy, 8 Earls Hall Parade, Prince Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6NW
  • Elmsleigh Pharmacy, 185 Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4JH
  • French’s Chemist, 1723-1725 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2SW
  • Great Wakering Pharmacy, 62 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 0EQ
  • Haveela Pharmacy, North Road PCC, 183-195 North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AF
  • Howells & Harrison, 235 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2SG
  • Kalsons Chemist, 138 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0RJ
  • Leigh Broadway Pharmacy, 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
  • Leigh Road Pharmacy, 87 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1JN
  • Murray Miller Pharmacy, 526 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5PW
  • Osbon Pharmacy, 372 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5PT
  • Queensway Pharmacy, 61 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
  • Rays Pharmacy, 47 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5PB
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 5 West Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9AU
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 779 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9SU
  • Southchurch Pharmacy, Unit 6, Blyth House, 535 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AY
  • Superdrug Pharmacy, 37-41 High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1JD
  • Vinods Pharmacy, 227 Hamstel Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4LB

Basildon

  • AA Pharmacy, 98 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 3JT
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 1 Marsh View Court, Vange, Basildon, SS16 4QW
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 144 Clay Hill Road, Basildon, SS16 5DF
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 562 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2ER
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 7 Felmores End, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 1PN
  • Asda Pharmacy, Pipps Hill Retail Park, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, SS14 3AF
  • Asda Pharmacy, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, SS14 1AE
  • Britannia Pharmacy, 213 Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1PB
  • Great Berry Pharmacy, Unit 4, Great Berry Centre, Nightingales, Basildon, SS16 6SA
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 465 Clay Hill Road, Basildon, SS16 4EX
  • Tesco Instore Pharmacy, Mayflower Retail Park, Gardiners Link, Basildon, SS14 3HZ
  • Vanas Limited, 134 Rectory Road, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 2AJ
  • Whitmore Pharmacy, 418 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2HB

Thurrock

  • Allcures Pharmacy, 62 High Street, Grays, RM17 6NA
  • Allcures Pharmacy, 16 Kings Parade, King Street, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0HP
  • Allcures Pharmacy, Stanford House, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Tilbury, RM18 8YP
  • Allcures Plc, Purfleet Care Centre, Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, RM19 1SX
  • Armada Pharmacy, 12 Drake House, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6PS
  • Asda Pharmacy, Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury, RM18 7HJ
  • Boots, 74-75 Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, RM20 2ZG
  • Boots, Unit 1B The Junction, Thurrock Shopping Park, Weston Avenue, Grays, RM20 3LP
  • Dips Chemist, 12 Defoe Parade, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, RM16 4QR
  • Essex Pharmacy, 2 Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD
  • Hassengate Pharmacy, Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0PH
  • Hemants Chemists, 10 Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, RM15 5EE
  • Ohms Pharmacy, 32 High Street, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4AD
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 1 South Road, South Ockendon, RM15 6NU
  • Riverview Pharmacy, 22 River View, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, RM16 4BJ
  • Stifford Pharmacy, 16 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Grays, RM16 2BD
  • Unicare Pharmacy, 89 Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5HH
  • Unicare Pharmacy, 22 St Johns Way, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 7LJ
  • Vision Pharmacy, 11 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Grays, RM16 2AP
  • Vision Pharmacy, 22 High Street, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4AD

Epping Forest

  • Asvacare Ltd, 32 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BY
  • Brook House Pharmacy, 20 Brook Parade, High Road, Chigwell, IG7 6PF
  • Chipping Ongar Pharmacy, 205 High Street, Chipping Ongar, Ongar, CM5 9JG
  • Easter Pharmacy, 54 Station Way, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 6LL
  • Oakwood Pharmacy, 118 Roding Road, Loughton, IG10 3EJ
  • Day Lewis Pharmacy, 48 Pyrles Lane, Loughton, IG10 2NN
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 8 Hill House, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL
  • Reliance Pharmacy, 10 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EE
  • Elgon Chemists, Lower Nazeing Post Office, 6-8 Nazeingbury Parade, Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2JL
  • Rosewood Pharmacy, 283 High Street, Epping, CM16 4DA

Harlow

  • Boots, 37 Broad Walk, Harlow, CM20 1JA
  • Dees Pharmacy, 100 High Street, Roydon, Harlow, CM19 5EE
  • Harlow Town Pharmacy, Unit B, Mayflower House, Wych Elm, Harlow, CM20 1FT
  • Medicare Pharmacy, Sumners Hatch, 1 Broadley Road, Harlow, CM19 5RD
  • Metwest Pharmacy, Unit 2, Lister House Health Centre, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, CM18 6YJ
  • Stow Pharmacy, 16 The Stow, Mark Hall, Harlow, CM20 3AH

Uttlesford

  • Newport Pharmacy, The Brown House, High Street, Newport, Saffron Walden, CB11 3QY
  • Peacock Pharmacy, 2 Lower Street, Stansted, CM24 8XG
  • Thaxted Pharmacy, 3 Town Street, Thaxted, Dunmow, CM6 2LD

What if I have already had the MenACWY vaccine?

Many young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine at school.

The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It does not protect against MenB.

Even if you have had MenACWY, you should still get the MenB vaccine if you are eligible.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety standards.

The vaccine, called Bexsero®, has been used routinely in the UK childhood vaccination programme since 2015 and has shown a strong safety record.

Common side effects include:

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
  • Headache
  • Mild fever
  • Feeling sick
  • Muscle aches

These symptoms usually pass within a day or two.

Know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia

Vaccination provides important protection, but no vaccine offers 100% protection.

Seek urgent medical advice if you or someone else develops symptoms such as:

  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • High temperature
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Vomiting
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Drowsiness or difficulty waking
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed

Always trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice if you think someone may have meningitis or septicaemia. Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Find out more

For more information about the MenB vaccination programme, visit the NHS and UKHSA guidance pages.