NHS Meningitis B Vaccination · Bristol
Free NHS service
Free for school leavers and new students.
You can have the free MenB vaccine at our pharmacy if one of these applies to you:
You’re in the current Year 13 age group (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) — whatever your plans after school
You’re moving into further education halls or accommodation for the first time in autumn 2026 and were born on or after 21 July 2001
You’re starting undergraduate university for the first time in autumn 2026 and were born on or after 21 July 2001
International students and students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies are included
Not eligible: postgraduates, returning students, and anyone who has already completed a full MenB course (two doses of Bexsero, or a full Trumenba course) in the last 5 years. Had one dose privately? Bring your record — our pharmacist will advise.
Free NHS service
Your two-dose course
Two doses, completely free.
New university and college students need to show an offer of a place for 2026/27 — a UCAS or university offer email, an offer letter, or a screenshot from the UCAS Hub showing your course and institution. Year 13 age group: no proof of study needed.
DOSE 1
Free
Your first dose must be given by 31 December 2026. Book ahead or ask about our walk-in clinic times.
DOSE 2
Free
Given at least 28 days after your first dose, and available until 31 March 2027. Both doses are essential for protection — we’ll help you book dose 2 before you leave.
MenB questions
Quick answers, so you can book with confidence.
Why are students being offered this vaccine?
Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia, which can be life-threatening and develop very quickly. Cases tend to peak in October and November, and first-year students living in shared accommodation are at higher risk than their peers. This one-off NHS programme protects young people before they start university or college.
Is it really free?
Yes. This is an NHS-commissioned vaccination service, so there is no charge to eligible patients for the consultation or either dose.
How many doses do I need?
Two. The second dose is given at least 28 days after the first, and you need both for protection. You can have your second dose at any pharmacy offering the service — we’ll give you a record card and help you book your next appointment before you leave.
Does the injection hurt, and are there side effects?
It’s a quick injection into the upper arm. A sore arm, tiredness or a headache for a day or two are common and normal. Our vaccinator will talk you through everything, including the signs and symptoms of meningitis to look out for — the vaccine protects against most but not all strains, so knowing the signs still matters.
I’ve already had a MenB vaccine — do I still need this?
It depends on which vaccine you had and how many doses. If you’ve completed a full course of Bexsero or Trumenba in the last 5 years you won’t need it again. If you’ve only had one dose, or you were vaccinated abroad, bring any record you have (a vaccination card, letter, or app screenshot) and our pharmacist will advise you.
