Health
Free NHS meningitis jab available for teenagers and young adults in England
July 13, 2026 at 01:30 PM
High street pharmacies across England are now offering a free meningitis B vaccine following a Kent outbreak earlier this year.
- Bookings opened on Monday 13 July via the NHS National Booking Service or walk-in at participating pharmacies, with first appointments from 20 July.
- The vaccine is offered to 17- and 18-year-olds and students under 25 entering residential college or university for the first time this autumn.
- NHS England stated that university students face a risk about seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.
- The meningitis outbreak in Kent in March recorded 29 confirmed or suspected cases and two deaths, prompting the vaccination campaign.