Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
Meningitis B is rare, but it can become life-threatening very quickly. If you’re eligible, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself from this serious infection. Find out who can get the MenB vaccine in Lincolnshire, why it matters, and how to book your appointment.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious condition that requires urgent hospital treatment. It can present as meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). They can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage, and skin scarring, and is fatal in around 10% of cases.
The bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks, vapes or close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home. Being around new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.
MenB vaccine
The vaccine used in this programme is Bexsero. This is normally given at least four weeks apart to provide maximum protection. The vaccines are given by injection, usually in the upper arm.
The Bexsero vaccine is the only MenB vaccine licenced for use in the UK and does not contain animal products. It has an established safety record and is already offered routinely to infants through the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
- Young people in the school year 13 age group (born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2008)
- Young people born on or after 21/07/2001 and starting as undergraduates at university for the first time in autumn 2026
- Young people born on or after 21/07/2001 living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026
When to get the vaccine
Ideally those eligible for the MenB vaccination should get their vaccine before starting university or residential further education in the autumn.
If eligible individuals have missed getting their MenB vaccine before starting university or residential college, they can still to get their first dose before 31st December with second doses available until 31st March 2027.
Where to get the vaccine
The MenB vaccine is being delivered exclusively through participating community pharmacies. It is not available at GP practices.
View the list of participating Lincolnshire Community Pharmacies: Microsoft Word file and PDF file
The map below shows the location of participating Community Pharmacies across Lincolnshire
The map below shows the location of participating Community Pharmacies local to the University of Lincoln
How to book an appointment
Those who are eligible for the MenB vaccine can receive both doses at participating pharmacies. They do not need to go to the same pharmacy for both doses and can instead select the pharmacy that is the most suitable location for them at the time of booking.
Those in the Year 13 cohort (academic year 2025/26):
- The NHS will contact all of those born between 01.09.2007 and 31.08.2008 inviting them to book a MenB vaccine appointment at a participating pharmacy. If you have not received an invite you can book via NBS: Book a MenB vaccination appointment – NHS
Other students:
- Those under the age of 25 years, (born on or after 21.07.2001) who are starting university for the first time this autumn or starting residential college for the first time as a residential student, will need to self-declare their eligibility by arranging an appointment at participating community pharmacies. The list of participating pharmacies can be found at Book a MenB vaccination appointment – NHS.
- Those who are eligible because they are attending university for the first time will need to provide proof of their university offer. This could be a UCAS email or letter or university offer email or letter. For those who are starting residential college as a residential student will need to show some information to confirm their eligibility when attending their appointment.