MenB Vaccine Bookings Open To All Eligible Students

All young people eligible for the NHS MenB vaccination programme can now book appointments through the National Booking Service.

The scheme has been expanded after initially allowing only eligible 17 and 18-year-olds to book online.

It is also available to eligible students starting university or certain further education courses this autumn, particularly those moving into student accommodation.

Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 9,113 eligible people have already received their first dose.

Two doses are required, with the second given at least 28 days after the first. Those vaccinated when the programme launched in July may therefore now be due their second dose.

The programme was introduced following recent meningitis outbreaks and aims to protect young people at increased risk of meningococcal disease.

Dr Charlotte Hutchings, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight's Clinical Lead for Vaccinations, urged eligible students to complete both doses before starting the new academic year.

First doses will remain available until 31st December 2026, with second doses offered until 31st March 2027.