CANTERBURY — The UK government announced a one-off meningitis B vaccination programme that will begin in late July. This programme aims to vaccinate approximately one million teenagers and young people following recent meningitis B outbreaks in Kent, Dorset, and Berkshire that resulted in three deaths.

The vaccine offered, Bexsero, requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart. Individuals born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, are eligible for the vaccine. The programme also includes individuals under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn, as well as international students under 25 who are beginning university.

Health Secretary James Murray stated that offering two doses before the academic year would help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Murray said: "The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn." Murray also said: "I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their two doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies."

Caroline Temmink, Director of vaccination at NHS England, said: "Those eligible will be contacted directly through the NHS app, by text and email, and for those under 25 starting university for the first time they will be able to book their appointment directly with available pharmacies." In England, year 13 students will receive contact through the NHS app, text, email, or letter depending on their health records, with vaccines offered in July and August through community pharmacies.

Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "The group that is being vaccinated is broadly the group at the highest risk." Ladhani also noted that this offering is part of an emergency outbreak response. The agency observed that cases of invasive meningococcal disease typically peak in October to November each year.

In Wales, the vaccine programme will run from July to December. Individuals aged 17 to 18 will receive letters from health boards starting in early July. Those aged 18 to 25 entering higher education must contact their health board later in July. The vaccine programme in Scotland is scheduled to begin in July, and Northern Ireland is expected to implement a similar programme at a later date. Meningitis B bacteria spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing vapes and drinks, or living in close quarters. Aaron Mills died from meningitis in January 2026 at age 18.