What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?

What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Meningitis B vaccinations were given to students at the University of Kent after an outbreak in MarchByMichelle Roberts, Digital health editor and Smitha Mundasad, Health reporterPublished17 March 2026Updated 12 June 2026A million young people will be offered a vaccine to help protect them against meningitis B, after concerns about the number of infections this year.The two-dose vaccine will be available to pupils in their final year of secondary school, and 18- to 25-year-olds heading to university or residential further education for the first time in autumn. UK advisers have said a widespread NHS catch-up campaign to vaccinate all teenagers against MenB is not cost-effective but will keep that decision under review.What is meningitis B?Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.There are several types, and meningitis B can be very serious. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.Babies have been offered a vaccine against MenB since 2015, which means teenagers and young adults over the age of 11 have not received this jab.Who will be offered the MenB vaccine?Those born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, as well as people under 25-years old starting university, will be eligible for the MenB vaccine. The jabs will be free on the NHS. Two doses, at least four weeks apart, are needed for maximum protection.Each nation has slightly different plans on giving the jabs, but in England community pharmacies will be asked to do so, with appointments becoming available from the end of July.Those eligible will be contacted directly through the NHS App, by text and email. People who are under 25 and starting university for the first time will be able to book their appointment directly with available pharmacies.International students under 25 ent...