Key Summary
- The MenB vaccine drive for young people started on 20 July.
- By 31 July, 89,261 first doses of the vaccine had been given.
- The NHS National Booking Service has received more than 135,000 bookings for the coming weeks.
Tens of thousands of young people have received the first dose of the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine within just two weeks of the NHS launching its largest-ever catch-up campaign for the virus.
Since the programme began on 20 July, 89,261 first doses were administered to eligible young people by 31 July. The NHS National Booking Service has already received more than 135,000 bookings for the coming weeks.
Thousands of community pharmacies are leading the effort to deliver protection before the academic year begins in September.
Convenience and accessibility
Janet Morrison OBE, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said that pharmacies had “leapt into action” to deliver the service.
“Community pharmacies across the country have leapt into action to deliver this brand new vaccination service, and demand has already been high. Pharmacies have a proven track record of helping to deliver key public health programmes, from flu and Covid vaccinations to the successful rollout of Pharmacy First.
“People value the convenience and accessibility of the pharmacy network for all manner of healthcare services, and satisfaction with community pharmacy continues to grow. We’re pleased that pharmacies can now offer eligible young people this life-saving protection,” she said.
The programme has had a “great start”, NHS director of vaccination Caroline Temmink said.
“This first of its kind vaccination programme has made a great start, with tens of thousands of young people given the first step towards vital protection in just under a fortnight.
“The crucial campaign will continue to gather pace as we work closely with pharmacies across the country to ensure they can deliver thousands more vaccines to eligible young people.
Health and Social Care minister Baroness Merron reminded young people to receive a second dose for full protection.
“It is encouraging to see so many young people getting their MenB jab before they head off to university or college. I would like to thank all NHS staff and pharmacies up and down the country for making this possible.
“By receiving both doses of the vaccine, young people are protecting themselves from this awful disease. I encourage everyone who hasn’t yet come forward to do so in August and to remember that a second dose is vital for full protection.”
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, also reminded young people to follow up for a second dose.
“Following the meningitis outbreaks earlier this year and the tragic loss of lives, it’s hugely encouraging that so many young people have already got their first MenB vaccine. But I can’t stress enough how vital it is to get a second dose, as only then will you have strong protection against this devastating disease.
“Some do get a reaction to the vaccine but please don’t let this put you off getting your second dose. For any short-lived discomfort, it’s worth the life-saving protection against meningitis and septicaemia.”
Risk and eligibility
Full protection requires two doses of the vaccine delivered at least 28 days apart. Eligible 17- and 18-year-olds can book appointments at community pharmacies via the NHS National Booking Service, while other eligible groups can contact participating pharmacies directly.
Meningococcal B infection can cause life-threatening conditions, including inflammation of the brain lining and sepsis (blood poisoning). These can lead to severe long-term complications such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, or prove fatal.
In total, around one million young people are estimated to be eligible, including:
- Individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
- Those born on or after 21 July 2001 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Spread through close contact-such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or living in close proximity-the disease poses a heightened risk to students. First-year university students face a risk roughly seven times higher than their non-university peers.
