Over 212,000 get the first MenB dose but almost 75% missing out

UKHSA is concerned that many young people, especially freshers, remain unprotected against this devastating disease and is urging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated with 2 doses.

UKHSA has today published its first interim report on MenB vaccine coverage for the 2025/26 school year 13 cohort only (those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) in the one-off vaccination offer targeting young adults in England.

UKHSA is urging all eligible young people, particularly freshers to ensure they are protected with 2 doses as soon as possible. Two doses are essential for protection with the doses needing to be administered at least 28 days apart. Students can get the vaccines from local pharmacies and can book via the NHS website: Book a MenB vaccination appointment - NHS.

Data show that young people starting at university are at increased risk of meningococcal disease due to social mixing patterns and other risk factors – with the risk for students in their first year of university around 7 times higher than young people of a similar age who do not go to university.

In addition, the recent bacterial genome sequencing study, which explained why the MenB outbreak in Kent in March was so severe, also crucially highlights the unpredictability of the bacteria. As highly invasive strains can emerge suddenly and unexpectedly, similar outbreaks could occur again.

The 3 outbreaks this year - in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire - tragically caused 3 deaths and some of those who survived the infection are now facing life-long health consequences.