Health Minister announces Men B vaccination programme

Date published: 12 June 2026

It is anticipated that from mid-late July, a targeted programme, aimed at protecting those who are considered to be at the highest risk of Men-B, will be rolled out. Further details on how the programme will be delivered will be announced in due course.

The eligible cohorts include:

• All of the current school year 14 age group (i.e. those currently aged 17-18 with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 to 1 July 2008); and
• Anyone, up to 25 years of age, who will be attending Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time in Autumn 2026 (including international students).

The announcement comes after multiple cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) identified in South East England earlier this year. The Men-B vaccination offers protection against serious illness, such as IMD, meningitis and sepsis.

Everyone with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 to 1 July 2008 will be invited for vaccination, while those aged up to 25 years of age attending Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time in Autumn 2026, will be encouraged to seek vaccination.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: 

“MenB is a serious illness and can cause serious health implications amongst young people. The vaccination offers good protection and will help prevent serious harm among those who are most vulnerable.

“I strongly recommend those young people who are eligible to take up the offer of a vaccination, particularly those planning to go to Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time this Autumn. I also would ask that parents and guardians speak with their teenagers and young adults to encourage them to take up the offer of a vaccination to help protect them from MenB.

“It is expected that this programme will be introduced by mid to late July to ensure those at highest risk from this disease have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated before going to University or other residential higher education for the first time.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: 

"As we have seen in recent outbreaks elsewhere in the UK, MenB can have a devastating and distruptive impact. Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious disease. This vaccination programme will have significant public health benefits for young people who receive the vaccine, and the wider population. Put simply, if you are not vaccinated, you are not protected.”

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: 

“We welcome this announcement and are working with health service colleagues on the delivery of the programme during the summer. I encourage everyone who is eligible to take this opportunity to help protect themselves against this disease.”