Bromley Council: MenB vaccine offered to eligible young people

June 16, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Bromley Council is informing eligible young people about a new one-off NHS vaccination programme offering the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine to protect them before the new academic year. Online booking for appointments opens from 13 July 2026.

The programme, announced by the Government, is for young people at higher risk of meningococcal B disease, also known as MenB. Dr. Nada Lemic, Director of Public Health at Bromley Council, stated, "Starting university or living away from home for the first time is an exciting step, but it can also mean more close contact with others. This vaccine offers important protection against a serious illness."

Eligibility for the MenB vaccine

The MenB vaccine will be offered to all Year 13 pupils and young people aged under 25 who are starting university or certain types of residential further education for the first time this autumn.

Specifically, eligibility includes:

Young people in the Year 13 age group (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008).
Young people born on or after 27 July 2001 who are commencing undergraduate studies at university for the first time in autumn 2026.
Young people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are moving into further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026.

Booking and vaccination details

Online booking for those aged 17 to 18, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, and registered with a GP surgery in England, opens on 13 July 2026. Information on how to register with a GP can be found online.

Walk-in appointments at pharmacies will be available from 20 July until 31 December 2026. These are for individuals aged 17 to 18 (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), those aged 24 or under starting university or further education for the first time in 2026, and international students in further education or at university in England.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for protection, with the second dose administered four weeks after the first. MenB can lead to serious illnesses such as meningitis and sepsis. Symptoms can include a high temperature, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, seizures, or a non-blanching rash.

Residents unsure of their eligibility should contact their GP practice, school, college, or university health service. International students under 25 starting their first year at an English university are advised to seek their first dose in their home country if possible. In cases of suspected meningitis or sepsis, individuals should call 999 or go to A&E immediately, without waiting for a rash to appear.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.