Am I eligible for the MenB vaccine?

The MenB vaccination will be offered to all those aged 17 and 18 who were born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008.

The vaccine is also available to those born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07//2026) and attending higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026, including international students and those from the UK Devolved Administrations and Crown Dependencies.

The vaccine will not be offered to:

Those born before 21/07/2001
Those aged less than 25 years continuing their studies (not first-time entrants)
Those in school-level residential settings, for example sixth form boarding schools, unless they are eligible due to their age
Those who completed a 2 dose course of Bexsero® within the last 5 years
Those who completed a 2 or 3 dose course of Trumenba® within the last 5 years

Where can I get the MenB vaccine?

Seventeen and 18 year olds who were born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008 will receive an invitation letter from their health board. Letters will be sent after 6 July. Those born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07/2026) and starting higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026, will not receive a letter but should contact their health board after 20 July to find out where to get their vaccination in their local area. See here for a list of health boards and their contact details.

Please do not contact your health board before 20 July 2026 as further information will not yet be ready.

If you are under 25 and attending higher or residential further education for the first time this Autumn you will be expected to provide evidence of your offer letter from university or college when you arrive for your appointment.

When can I get it?

First doses will be offered in Wales from 20 July until 31 December 2026. Second doses will be offered in Wales until 31 March 2027.

How soon will I be protected?

It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose of vaccine for your body to produce antibodies to give you a good level of protection.

Does the vaccine offer me complete protection against all types of Meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningococcal disease from meningococcal bacteria. No vaccine is 100% effective, and the MenB vaccine does not protect you against all meningococcal groups.

This may be an opportunity to check that you have received the MenACWY vaccine (usually at age 13-14) which offers some protection against other types of meningococcal disease.

While the MenB vaccination is highly effective and has led to a 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups, it does not offer complete protection. Teenagers and young adults are considered to be at higher risk, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Men B disease. Signs to look out for include, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet. For more information on meningitis and meningococcal disease, visit: Meningitis and meningococcal disease - Public Health Wales

Is there an ideal time for me to have my second dose? If so, what is it?

The second dose of the MenB vaccine is recommended at least 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose to give you the best protection against MenB infection. It takes at least 2 weeks from the second dose of the vaccine for your body to achieve a good level of protection, so delaying the second dose delays protection. Those eligible should aim to get both doses before starting at college or university this Autumn.

Do I need to get both doses to be protected?

Yes. You will need to have both doses of the vaccine, 4 weeks apart and then wait 2 weeks for the best protection. The MenB vaccine has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety criteria. It has been routinely used in the infant vaccination programme in the UK since 2015 and has led to 75% reduction in MenB disease in vaccinated groups.

What are the common side effects of the MenB vaccine?

Like all medicines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have had the injection. You may also get a fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches.

Side effects are usually mild and last only a couple of days. It is still important for you to have both doses.

More serious side effects are rare. You can take over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol to manage these symptoms if needed.

If you experience any suspected side effects to the vaccine, you can report these on the Yellow Card website, by calling 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or by downloading the Yellow Card app.

Why are we vaccinating all 17 and 18 year olds (including those not going to university)?

All 17 and 18 year olds (school Year 13 or equivalent) are being included because these young people are within the age group that has one of the highest rates of MenB disease outside of infancy. This age group are most likely to be starting university (or residential further education) where the risk increases further. Offering the vaccine to everyone in this age group makes it easier to reach young people, ensuring as many as possible are protected at the point when their risk is higher.

Why aren’t students in their 2nd or 3rd year of university being vaccinated?

Students in later years of university aren’t included because they are not entering higher education for the first time, which is when the risk is highest. Evidence shows that first-year students have a much higher risk - around seven times greater than young people of the same age who are not at university. The risk is particularly high when new people come together to mix and live closely, such as in halls of residence. The risk is not considered to be as high for those in their second or subsequent years, so they are not considered to be part of the highest-risk group for this targeted programme.

I live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland but will begin my studies at a university in Wales this Autumn. Will I be eligible for the MenB vaccine?

If you live in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and are due to attend a university in Wales, you may still be eligible for the MenB vaccine. You will be eligible for the vaccination if you fall into either of the following groups:

Individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
Individuals born on or after 21/07/2001 (turning 25 on or after 21/07//2026) and attending higher education or residential further education for the first time from Autumn 2026

For the best protection, two doses of the MenB vaccine are required. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, ideally at least two weeks before starting university.

You will be given a vaccination record card at your first appointment. It will show the date you had your first dose and when your next dose is due.

If you receive your first dose in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland you can still have your second vaccination in Wales. You will need to take your vaccination record card with you to show that you are due your second dose.

In Wales, the MenB vaccine for students is delivered through community clinics. See here for the list of Health Boards and contact details: Vaccine contacts - Public Health Wales. You can also speak to your local GP practice or university health centre, which will be able to advise where to get the vaccine. First doses will be offered in Wales from 20 July until 31 December 2026. Second doses will be offered in Wales until 31 March 2027.

I live in Wales and have had my first dose of the MenB vaccine. What happens with my second dose if I am beginning my studies in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

It is important that you have two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart for the best protection. Ideally the full two dose course should be given at least two weeks before starting university or residential further education.

If you received your first dose of the MenB vaccine in Wales, you will be given a vaccination record card. Please keep this safe and bring it with you when you attend your second dose appointment.

If you are studying in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and wish to receive your second dose there, please visit the relevant website for more details: