Freshers urged to get meningitis B jab before term

University freshers are being urged to get two doses of the meningitis B vaccine ahead of the start of term.

New figures showed meningitis B caused 97% of cases among 15 to 24-year-olds in England last year.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) could be serious, with 26 deaths recorded among the 348 confirmed cases between July 2025 to June 2026.

In Kent, two deaths were recorded in the 21 cases among students and young people in the Canterbury area in March.

A temporary NHS vaccination programme was launched this summer for school leavers and first-year university and higher education students.

More than 246,000 doses of meningitis B vaccines had been administered by 31 August, according to UKHSA, although thousands of eligible young people have yet to come forward.

Health officials added students in their first year of university faced a risk of meningococcal disease about seven times higher than young people of a similar age who did not go to university.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said the latest figures highlighted the continuing risk posed by the disease.

"University is an exciting time, but it's also when young people are at greater risk of meningococcal disease due to close, prolonged contact with lots of new people," he says.

"The MenB vaccine offer for students and young people is now underway.

"It's absolutely vital everyone eligible gets their two doses, ideally before term starts or as soon as possible."

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at Meningitis Now said the disease could strike suddenly and could have life-changing consequences.

"Vaccination is our best defence. We have seen too many young lives devastated by this disease," he says.

"If you are eligible, please get vaccinated. Two doses could help protect you from a disease that can change your life in a matter of hours."

Health officials say although the vaccine protects against most meningococcal strains, it does not prevent all cases of meningitis and septicaemia.

They recommend young people to be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical advice.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include a high temperature, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, cold hands and feet, and a rash, according to the UKHSA.

People are advised to seek urgent medical attention if they are concerned, as early treatment can be lifesaving.

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