Vaccinations

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Following the Meningococcal (MenB) outbreak among University of Kent students in March 2026, an urgent time-limited MenB vaccination programme will be offered before autumn 2026 to eligible young people attending university or a residential further education institution for the first time.

Why vaccinate

Data on invasive meningococcal disease over the last five years has shown the highest number of cases, after infancy, are seen in 18 to 19-year-olds.

Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university.

Students attending university or residential further education institutions are at increased risk, particularly in the first year and when living in shared accommodation. 

Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces makes it easier for the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease to spread, and starting university or further education can increase this risk.

Therefore, it is important that anyone eligible who is going to university or a residential further education institution for the first time receives both doses of the MenB vaccine, wherever possible, before they leave home to start their course. 

Getting vaccinated before the autumn term is one of the most important things young people can do to protect themselves.

Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine

The MenB vaccine is available to:

• young people, with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008, whether or not they intend to start further or higher education
• all undergraduate students born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be attending university for the first time in autumn 2026
• those born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026 and who will be living in further education accommodation