Essex students aged under 25 and going to university or residential further education this autumn are being offered the Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine this year.
Meningitis is a life-threatening disease that can lead to life-changing disabilities and is fatal in around 10% of cases.
The vaccine is being offered as a one-off opportunity after the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent which led to the deaths of two students. Students in the first year of university are seven times more likely to contract the virus, making them at particularly high risk.
The vaccine requires two doses at least 4 weeks apart and takes a further 2 weeks for the body to build an immunity. It is available to:
- all under 25s attending university for the first time
- all young people currently in school year 13 (academic year 2025-26)
- anyone starting further education and who will be living in student accommodation for the first time, including colleges that provide performance arts and agriculture courses.
Nearly 260 community pharmacies across Essex will be providing the vaccine. The NHS will be contacting people that are eligible in the coming weeks.
Once they have been contacted, Essex residents are being urged to arrange their vaccine as soon as possible to ensure they are protected. With private consultation rooms and convenient locations, pharmacies provide a quick and easy way to get vaccinated, with appointments designed to fit around people’s busy lives.
NHS Essex is encouraging all those eligible for the vaccine to book an appointment as soon as they can.
The bacteria that causes MenB spreads through close contact, especially contact with saliva such as through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes.
The number of MenB outbreaks have been higher this year with several being bigger than expected. The outbreak in Kent was the fastest growing and largest ever in the UK.
Many young people and parents across Essex will remember the anxiety they felt during the outbreak in Kent earlier this year. The introduction of this one-off vaccine will reassure people that they can take their next steps in further education knowing that they are better protected from this serious infection.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director, NHS Essex
If you or your child receives an invitation, make sure to take up this offer for a vaccine before heading off to university or further education.
The one-off vaccination programme this year will help to protect those at highest immediate risk. The government will monitor and assess new evidence to determine if any further vaccine programmes are needed in the future.
Learn more about the MenB vaccine and where you can get vaccinated