Meningitis B Outbreak Vaccine

Recent events have highlighted the serious risk that Meningitis B poses to the student population. Following an unprecedented outbreak in Canterbury in March 2026. Health officials are urging students in universities and colleges to ensure they are fully protected.

Why Students are at Risk

While the MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered in schools, it does not protect against the B strain, which is currently the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Students and young adults are particularly vulnerable because:

• Carrier Rates: Up to 1 in 4 teenagers carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to 1 in 10 in the general population.
• Shared Living: University halls and shared housing provide the “close and prolonged contact” (such as sharing drinks, vapes, or kissing) that allows the bacteria to spread.
• Immunity Gap: The MenB vaccine was only added to the routine NHS infant schedule in 2015. This means most current university and college students have no natural or vaccine-induced immunity to this strain.

Vaccine Course & Pricing

The Meningitis B vaccine (Bexsero) is a two-dose course providing essential protection against invasive meningococcal disease.

Price per dose: £110
Total course cost: £220

Note: To ensure the highest level of protection, both doses must be completed. The second dose is typically administered at least four to eight weeks after the first.

How to Book Your Vaccination

We have simplified the booking process to help students manage their course of treatment easily:

• Book Your First Dose: Use the booking form below to select your preferred date and time. You will pay £110 for your initial appointment and first injection.
• Attend Your Consultation: During your first visit, our clinician will administer the vaccine and provide you with a vaccination record.
• Secure Your Second Dose: Once you have received your first dose, you will be able to book and pay for your second dose (£110) through our online portal or in-clinic. This ensures your follow-up is scheduled at the correct interval for maximum efficacy.

Recognising the Symptoms

Meningitis can develop rapidly. If you or a friend feel unwell, do not wait for a rash to appear. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Sudden high fever and a severe, worsening headache.
• A stiff neck or dislike of bright lights.
• Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking up.
• Very cold hands and feet.

It is vital to understand that the Meningitis B vaccine is a preventative measure, not a treatment for an active infection. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of meningitis, you must seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 999 or going directly to your nearest A&E department. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that can progress with extreme speed; as the vaccine takes time to build immunity in the body, it cannot stop an infection that has already begun.