MenB vaccine – get protected before the start of uni

If you are a young person starting university this autumn, you should book your MenB vaccine now. This will mean you are protected before the start of term.

Locally, the number of young people who have gotten the vaccine is low. We want to make sure as many people as possible know about and get the vaccine.

Invasive MenB disease (called Meningococcal group B) is an infection that can cause serious health problems. It can get very bad very quickly and people can die from the disease. The vaccine can help protect you.

If you are under 25 and going to university for the first time, you can get your vaccines now.

You need two doses of the MenB vaccine, and you have these 28 days apart. You should have the last one at least 2 weeks before you leave for university. This will give you the best protection.

Getting vaccinated is quick and easy.

If you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you can book your vaccine appointment online and can go to most local pharmacies for it. Some pharmacies offer appointments for the vaccine outside of school and college hours. This makes it easy to fit around your summer plans.

Most freshers’ weeks start in just over a month, so now is the best time to book your vaccine.

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, says:

“Going to university is very exciting. You go to new places, make new friends and often share living spaces. But all of this can raise the risk of spreading infections.

“Invasive MenB disease is rare but can be very dangerous. The good news is that the vaccine can protect you.

“Because you need two doses, time is running out if you’re going to uni in mid-September.

“If you, or someone you know is getting ready to head off to university for the first time next month, please check if you can have the vaccine. If you can, make a booking as soon as possible.”

MenB spreads through prolonged contact like living in shared accommodation, kissing and sharing drinks, food or vapes. All of this can mean university students are more at risk.

If you are a student, please make sure you are up to date with all the vaccines you should get before you start university. You can check this by speaking to your GP practice or by using the NHS App.

You can find out more on the NHS website or through this digital leaflet.

Head to our vaccinations and immunisations webpage for information on other vaccines that are available.