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MenB vaccine for young people – information for health professionals 

About the MenB vaccine for young people and students.

For information about Meningococcal vaccination in teenagers see MenACWY vaccine.

For information about Meningococcal vaccination in babies and young children see Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination in babies and young children.

For information about vaccinations for students see Vaccination for students.

Some of the links included in this information lead to content created by other organisations and may not be available in Welsh.

Background

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a notifiable disease, which is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The organism is spread by respiratory droplets and has an incubation period of two to seven days. IMD most commonly presents as meningitis (acute) or sepsis, or a combination of both.

Meningococcal disease occurs most frequently in babies younger than one year, with rates decreasing as children get older. A smaller increase in cases is also seen among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years.

Meningococcal disease is fatal in 5% to 10% of cases. Those who survive may experience serious long-term complications such as hearing loss, severe visual

impairment, communication problems, limb amputation(s), seizures, and brain damage.

Meningococci are grouped into different types (serogroups) based on markers on the outside of the bacteria (capsular polysaccharide). In the UK, the serogroups of greatest clinical and public health importance are B, C, W and Y.

Since the introduction of the UK MenB programme in 2015 and MenACWY adolescent programme in 2015 the incidence of IMD has fallen substantially, though cases continue to occur across all age groups.

The MenB vaccine for babies has cut MenB disease by about three-quarters in the children who received it, compared with children who were not vaccinated. MenB disease has risen since social contact returned to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine uptake has fallen, leaving more people unprotected. Unlike other meningococcal strains, MenB vaccines don’t create strong herd immunity, so timely vaccination is important to ensure those most at risk are protected from MenB disease.

Following a number of outbreaks of Meningococcal Group B (MenB) in England in early 2026, as a precautionary measure, an urgent MenB vaccination response was launched across the UK. The programme aims to protect young people at highest immediate risk this year.

This includes:

  • young people born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008 (17/18 years old)
  • anyone born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07/2026) who will be starting undergraduate higher education or some residential further education settings for the first time in Autumn 2026.

This is a time limited offer, beginning on 20 July 2026. As two doses of the Bexsero® (4CMenB) vaccine are required at least 28 days apart for protection, it is important to start offering vaccination as soon as practicably possible after this date, with the aim of achieving protection of the above individuals before the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, and the peak season for MenB in the autumn.

Further details including background and clinical information are available in the WHC.

Table of contents:

The vaccine

Bexsero®, a four-component meningococcal B (4CMenB) protein vaccine is the recommended vaccine.

Bexsero® is an inactivated injectable vaccine in a pre-filled syringe presentation. Bexsero is an rDNA component adsorbed vaccine. This vaccine product is used routinely in the infant schedule and is delivered in packs of 10. The MenB vaccine is effective against serious infections caused by meningococcal group B bacteria. The vaccine may also protect against infection by capsular groups other than group B.

Two doses are necessary for protection. Appointments should be made for their second dose when individuals for their first dose.

The second dose must be administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose and individuals should be reminded of the importance of returning for this second dose.

It is important to provide the individual with a vaccination record card so that they know when their second dose is due – this will also be evidence of a dose should they require the 2nd dose in another country.

Vaccine Administration

Bexsero® is administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Meningococcal vaccines can be given at the same time as any other vaccines required, but should be given at a separate site, preferably in a different limb. Please refer to the Meningococcal chapter of Immunisation Against Infectious Disease (the Green Book) (external site) for more information.

Programme start and end dates

The programme will run from 20 July 2026, with most of the vaccination activity to be completed by September 2026, ensuring completion of the two-dose course prior to the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

First doses must continue to be available until 31 December 2026 and second doses available until 31 March 2027, enabling late attendees or international students who arrive in the UK after the summer months, to accept the offer of two doses.

Summary of product characteristics (SmPC)

Schedule guidance in the Green Book chapter – Meningococcal (external site) supersedes the SmPC.

Detailed clinical guidance for the time-limited programme is not contained in the Green Book. Further information is included in Annex 3 of the WHC (2026) 26 (external site).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. You should report suspected adverse reactions of vaccines and medicines online at Yellow Card (external site), by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). The Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule includes information about other routine and non-routine vaccinations.

Welsh Health Circulars and Welsh Government letters

Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme: urgent time-limited response to recent outbreaks (WHC/2026/026) (external site)

‘National enhanced service specification for non-routine immunisations for adults and children at risk’ (external site). Whilst there are no plans for primary care to be involved in the delivery of this programme, the specification will provide cover, if the situation arises where GP practices need to give Meningococcal vaccines to eligible persons included in this time-limited vaccination outbreak response.

Clinical resources and information

Information on offer of further doses if MenB vaccine/s have been given previously.
Scenario Outcome Definition
1 dose Bexsero (irrespective of timing of that dose) 1 dose Bexsero now Where individuals have received one prior dose of Bexsero®, a further dose should be given, a minimum of 28 days after the first dose, to complete the full course of 2 Bexsero® doses.
2 doses of Bexsero <5 years ago Nothing now Where individuals have previously completed a two-dose course of Bexsero® in the last 5 years, no further vaccination is required.
2 doses of Bexsero >5 years ago 1 dose Bexsero now Where individuals have previously completed a two-dose course of Bexsero® more than 5 years ago then a single dose should be offered.
2/3 dose Trumenba (complete course) >5 years ago Start Bexsero now, 2 doses Two doses at least 6 months apart considered same as 3 doses. 

Trumenba® and Bexsero® MenB vaccines are not interchangeable. Where individuals have previously completed a course of Trumenba® 5 or more years ago, they should be offered to restart a two-dose course with Bexsero®.
2/3 dose Trumenba (complete course) <5 years ago Nothing now Where individuals have previously completed a course of Trumenba® in the last 5 years, no further vaccination is required.

Two doses at least 6 months apart considered same as 3 doses. 
1 dose of Trumenba, or 2 doses delivered <6m apart (partial course) Start Bexsero now, 2 doses (or they can choose to go back privately and finish Trumenba) Where individuals have had a partial course of Trumenba® (defined as one prior dose, or 2 doses delivered less than 6 months apart), can complete their vaccination course properly. Alternatively, they can be offered a two-dose course of Bexsero.

There is no specific information on the best interval between Trumenba® and Bexsero®; however, from first principles an interval of at least 4 weeks is advised.

Information on offer of further doses if MenB vaccine/s have been given previously – Printable resource (UKHSA, 21 July 2026)

Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols

UKHSA has PGD templates available for MenB as a reference resource for health boards to develop and authorise for use locally.

Templates can be found on the Welsh Medicines Advice Service’s page for Patient Group Directions (PGD) (external site).

Further clinical resources and information

Resources to support the MenB programme for Young People and Students

Key messages

Am I eligible for the MenB vaccine?

The MenB vaccination will be offered to all those aged 17 and 18 who were born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008.  

The vaccine is also available to those born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07//2026) and attending higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK Devolved Administrations and Crown Dependencies. 

The vaccine will not be offered to: 

  • Those born before 21/07/2001 
  • those aged less than 25 years continuing their studies (not first-time entrants) 
  • those in school-level residential settings, for example sixth form boarding schools, unless they are eligible due to their age 
  • those who completed a 2 dose course of Bexsero® within the last 5 years 
  • those who completed a 2 or 3 dose course of Trumenba® within the last 5 years 
Where can I get the MenB vaccine?

Seventeen and 18 year olds who were born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008 will receive an invitation letter from their health board. Letters will be sent after 6 July. Those born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07/2026) and starting higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026, will not receive a letter but should contact their health board after 20 July to find out where to get their vaccination in their local area.

See a list of health boards and their contact details.

Please do not contact your health board before 20 July 2026 as further information will not yet be ready.

If you are under 25 and attending higher or residential further education for the first time this Autumn you will be expected to provide evidence of your offer letter from university or college when you arrive for your appointment.  

When can I get it?

First doses will be offered in Wales from 20 July until 31 December 2026. Second doses will be offered in Wales until 31 March 2027. 

How soon will I be protected?

It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose of vaccine for your body to produce antibodies to give you a good level of protection. 

Does the vaccine offer me complete protection against all types of Meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningococcal disease from meningococcal bacteria. No vaccine is 100% effective, and the MenB vaccine does not protect you against all meningococcal groups.  

This may be an opportunity to check that you have received the MenACWY vaccine (usually at age 13-14) which offers some protection against other types of meningococcal disease.   

While the MenB vaccination is highly effective and has led to a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups, it does not offer complete protection. Teenagers and young adults are considered to be at higher risk, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Men B disease. Signs to look out for include, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.  For more information on meningitis and meningococcal disease, visit Meningitis and meningococcal disease page.

Is there an ideal time for me to have my second dose? If so, what is it?

The second dose of the MenB vaccine is recommended at least 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose to give you the best protection against MenB infection. It takes at least 2 weeks from the second dose of the vaccine for your body to achieve a good level of protection, so delaying the second dose delays protection.  Those eligible should aim to get both doses before starting at college or university this Autumn. 

Do I need to get both doses to be protected?

Yes. You will need to have both doses of the vaccine, 4 weeks apart and then wait 2 weeks for the best protection.  The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety criteria. It has been routinely used in the infant vaccination programme in the UK since 2015 and has led to 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups. 

What are the common side effects of the MenB vaccine?

Like all medicines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have had the injection. You may also get a fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches.  

Side effects are usually mild and last only a couple of days.  It is still important for you to have both doses.  

More serious side effects are rare. You can take over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol to manage these symptoms if needed. 

If you experience any suspected side effects to the vaccine, you can report these on the Yellow Card website (external site), by calling 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or by downloading the Yellow Card app. 

Why are we vaccinating all 17 and 18 year olds (including those not going to university)?

All 17 and 18 year olds (school Year 13 or equivalent) are being included because these young people are within the  age group that has one of the highest rates of MenB disease outside of infancy. This age group are most likely to be starting university (or residential further education) where the risk increases further. Offering the vaccine to everyone in this age group makes it easier to reach young people, ensuring as many as possible are protected at the point when their risk is higher.

Why aren’t students in their 2nd or 3rd year of university being vaccinated?

Students in later years of university aren’t included because they are not entering higher education for the first time, which is when the risk is highest. Evidence shows that first-year students have a much higher risk – around seven times greater than young people of the same age who are not at university. The risk is particularly high when new people come together to mix and live closely, such as in halls of residence. The risk is not considered to be as high for those in their second or subsequent years, so they are not considered to be part of the highest-risk group for this targeted programme.

I live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland but will begin my studies at a university in Wales this Autumn. Will I be eligible for the MenB vaccine?

If you live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and are due to attend a university in Wales, you may still be eligible for the MenB vaccine. You will be eligible for the vaccination if you fall into either of the following groups: 

  • Individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 
  • Individuals born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07//2026) andattending higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026 

For the best protection, two doses of the MenB vaccine are required. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, ideallyat least two weeks before starting university. 

You will be given a vaccination record card at your first appointment. It will show the date you had your first dose and when your next dose is due.  

If you receive your first dose in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland you can still have your second vaccination in Wales. You will need to take your vaccination record card with you to show that you are due your second dose.  

In Wales, the MenB vaccine for students is delivered through community clinics. See here for the list of Health Boards and contact details:  Vaccine contacts – Public Health Wales. You can also speak to your local GP practice or university health centre, which will be able to advise where to get the vaccine. First doses will be offered in Wales from 20 July until 31 December 2026. Second doses will be offered in Wales until 31 March 2027. 

I live in Wales and have had my first dose of the MenB vaccine. What happens with my second dose if I am beginning my studies in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

It is important that you have two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart for the best protection. Ideally the full two dose course should be given at least two weeks before starting university or residential further education. 

If you received your first dose of the MenB vaccine in Wales, you will be given a vaccination record card. Please keep this safe and bring it with you when you attend your second dose appointment. 

If you are studying in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and wish to receive your second dose there, please visit the relevant website for more details: 

Training resources and events

Online courses and training materials about a number of vaccines and diseases can be accessed via the E-learning page.

Further immunisation training information and resources are provided on the Training Resources and Events page.

Data and surveillance

Vaccination and disease surveillance information can be found on the pages below: