Young adults in South West urged to get MenB vaccine before university
2026 vaccination programme aims to tackle increased meningitis risk
Young adults and university students in the South West are being encouraged to get vaccinated against Meningitis B (MenB) ahead of the new academic term due to an increased risk of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
The latest report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights that MenB accounted for 97% of invasive meningococcal disease cases among 15 to 24-year-olds in England this past year.
A one-off MenB vaccination programme was launched in the South West on 20th July 2026, targeting school leavers and first-year university students.
With freshers' weeks about to commence, students are urged to receive two doses of the MenB vaccine to enhance protection against the disease.
Dr Josh Howkins from UKHSA emphasised the importance of timely vaccination, stating, "Two doses are important for the best protection against most strains of Meningitis B in this age group."
During the vaccination programme, a total of 26,754 doses have already been administered across various regions in the South West, including areas such as Bath, Swindon, and Bristol.
Matthew Dominey from NHS England South West added, "First-year university students are around seven times more at risk of catching MenB than other young people of the same age."
The urgent appeal for vaccination comes in response to recent MenB outbreaks in Kent, Dorset, and Reading, which led to three deaths and several cases with lasting health impacts.
Eligible students can book their vaccination appointments through the NHS National Booking Service and are advised to be aware of symptoms such as high temperature, cold hands, vomiting, and rash.