Be meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) aware
Students are known to be at higher risk.
Meningitis B vaccine information
A time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available now for eligible young people, including those who are starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026. Eligible students will need 2 doses of the MenB vaccine for protection, given at least 4 weeks apart.
What is MenB and why should those eligible get vaccinated?
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia which can both lead to sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading. Getting 2 doses of the MenB vaccine is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.
Young people in the eligible groups will have been offered MenACWY vaccine in year 9 or year 10. This vaccine protects against other kinds of meningococcal bacteria but will not help protect against MenB disease. So, even if someone has already received the MenACWY vaccine, getting the MenB vaccine is important.
Who is eligible?
The programme is available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The following groups can have the MenB vaccine as part of this one-off programme:
- those aged 17 or 18 years old, who were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- those under 25, born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university or some further education colleges as a residential student for the first time this autumn, including international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study.
When can people get vaccinated?
Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as they can so that there is time to have both a first and second dose before the offer closes. First doses are available until 31 December 2026 and second doses up to 31 March 2027. You should also make sure you are up to date with your other vaccines.
How to book
Appointments can be booked through the NHS National Booking Service and will be available at participating community pharmacies who may be able to offer drop-in vaccinations.
What you need to do
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Step 1
Meningitis
You should make sure you are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, not just for you, but for friends and colleagues. Early recognition of meningitis can greatly improve the outcome of the disease.
Bacterial meningitis is still a rare disease, but it can progress rapidly and can, in some cases, be life threatening. Students coming to university for the first time are known to be at higher risk of meningitis than the general population, particularly during their first few weeks at university. Therefore, all students should be immunised, regardless of age or country of origin.
Viral meningitis is not usually as serious, although people can feel quite unwell, may need to go into hospital briefly and may take a long time to recuperate. It’s not usually passed from one person to another, but can be a complication of a wide variety of different viruses.
If you are concerned or have questions, please contact the Meningitis Research Foundation helpline on 080 8800 3344, or the Meningitis Now 24-hour helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
MMR
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are diseases that can have serious complications.
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Step 2
All UK-born students should have received the vaccinations as part of a childhood immunisation programme but, if you can’t remember or are unsure, you should call your doctor to check. Vaccinations are free and can be given at any time.
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Step 3
In order to be vaccinated you will need to register with a doctor
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Step 4
MenACWY vaccination
A MenACWY vaccination offers protection against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia - meningococcal (Men) A, C, W, and Y diseases.
It is available to all first-time university entrants up to 25 years of age, including international students. If you have not yet had this vaccination, we recommend you request the vaccination from your GP.
Book an appointment with a GPMMR vaccination – measles, mumps and rubella
It is important that you make sure you are protected from Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) by checking your immunisation history and arranging MMR vaccinations, if necessary. Even a mild case of the disease may disrupt studies for a length of time. The two-dose vaccination is very effective in preventing the disease.
The Department of Health and Public Health England recommend that students have adequate immunity to mumps and measles. Please check with your parents and/or home doctor whether you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. If not, please ask your doctor to complete your immunisation.
To be protected effectively you should have had two doses of the vaccine. The MMR vaccine protects against all three diseases and vaccination is free.
MenB vaccination
The MenB vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK.
The vaccine is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.
Non-UK born students and international students
Non-UK born students and international students
International students may not be fully immunised against measles, mumps and rubella or be protected against meningitis C.
To get vaccinated and check immunisation history, please call your doctor to arrange to be given two doses of MMR vaccine and the MenACWY vaccine. Vaccinations are free.
You may also be interested in
Book an appointment
How to book appointments with your doctor, including information for the University Health Centre.
Getting treatment on the NHS
Information for students, including international and European Union/European Economic Area students, on getting treatment on the NHS.
Register with a doctor
How to register with a doctor, including information for the University Health Centre.
Urgent medical care
Information on where to get urgent medical care.