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Check you're eligible
Year 13 students will receive an NHS link to book. University and college freshers can simply walk in — bring photo ID or a university offer/confirmation if you have it so we can confirm your eligibility quickly.
New NHS MenB Programme 2026
Free meningitis B jabs for students.
A new one-off NHS MenB vaccination programme launches this summer for Year 13 leavers and first-year university and college students under 25. Walk in to Qrystal Pharmacy on Borough High Street — on the doorstep of King's College London and London South Bank University.
- Free if eligibleCost (NHS)
- 2, four weeks apartDoses
- About 10 minutesVisit time
- 31 Dec 2026First doses until
What is the MenB vaccine programme?
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Cases can move from mild-seeming symptoms to critical within hours, and young people moving into shared accommodation are at particular risk — close, prolonged contact in halls and at freshers' events spreads the bacteria easily. First-year university students have a risk of MenB disease roughly seven times higher than peers who don't go to university.
To close that gap, the NHS in England is running a new one-off, time-limited MenB catch-up programme from July 2026. It is delivered through community pharmacies — so eligible students can get protected before term starts without needing a GP appointment. Two doses are needed, given at least four weeks apart, and full protection takes around six weeks to build, which is why getting your first dose early in the summer matters.
Qrystal Pharmacy sits on Borough High Street in SE1, minutes from London Bridge station and within walking distance of King's College London's Guy's Campus and London South Bank University. If you're heading into halls this autumn, you can get your free NHS MenB jab here in about 10 minutes, with the record sent to your GP automatically.
Know the red-flag signs of meningitis and septicaemia
A vaccine is the best protection, but no vaccine covers every strain. Get urgent medical help — call 999 or go to A&E — if you or a friend develops:
- A high fever, with cold hands and feet
- A severe headache, stiff neck or dislike of bright light
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking
- Rapid breathing, pale or blotchy skin, or severe muscle pain
- Being violently sick or refusing to eat or drink
Who is eligible for the free NHS MenB vaccine?
The one-off NHS MenB programme covers three groups (including international students and students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland studying in England):
- Year 13 students — anyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. The NHS will send you a link to book a pharmacy appointment.
- First-year university freshers born on or after 21 July 2001, attending university for the first time in autumn 2026 — walk in to a participating pharmacy.
- Students born on or after 21 July 2001 starting residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026.
You're not eligible if:
- Adults outside these groups, or returning (non-first-year) students — please ask us about private MenB vaccination
- Anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component — we'll review your history and signpost you appropriately
How to get your MenB jab
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Consent and screening
In a private consultation room our pharmacist reviews your health history, current medicines and any allergies, explains common side effects, and answers your questions. You'll sign a brief consent form.
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First dose
A small injection into the upper arm, given by a registered pharmacist. The whole visit is around 10 minutes including paperwork and a short post-jab observation.
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Book your second dose
You need a second dose at least four weeks after the first for full protection. We'll book it before you leave and send both records to your GP and NHS record electronically.
What's included
- Eligibility check against the NHS MenB programme criteria
- Pre-jab consultation in a private consultation room
- Free NHS MenB vaccine — both doses in the two-dose course
- Pharmacist administration and post-jab observation
- Second-dose appointment booked at your first visit
- Side-effect advice and printed aftercare information
- Electronic update to your GP and NHS record
MenB vaccination — frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for the MenB vaccine?
No. If you're in one of the eligible groups — Year 13, or a first-year university or college student under 25 — the NHS funds the full two-dose course. There's nothing to pay.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
You're eligible if you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (Year 13), or born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026. International and devolved-nation students count too. If you're unsure, bring ID or your university offer and we'll confirm it in under a minute.
How many doses do I need?
Two. The second dose is given at least four weeks after the first, and full protection builds about six weeks after your first jab. We'll book the second appointment for you at the first visit.
Is there a deadline?
Yes — this is a one-off, time-limited programme. You can get your first dose up to 31 December 2026 and your second dose up to 31 March 2027. The earlier in the summer you start, the sooner you're protected for the new term.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Year 13 students receive an NHS link to book a slot. University and college freshers can walk in to a participating pharmacy like Qrystal — though pre-booking guarantees a time during busy summer weeks.
Can I have it with other vaccines?
Usually yes — MenB can often be given alongside other vaccines, in a different arm. Tell the pharmacist which jabs you need and we'll advise on what can be done at the same visit.
What side effects should I expect?
Most commonly a sore arm, mild fever, headache or tiredness for a day or two — these are signs the vaccine is working. Serious reactions are very rare. We'll go through aftercare and red-flag symptoms before you leave.
Related Services
Seasonal Vaccinations
NHS flu and COVID-19 jabs — often able to be given at the same visit as your MenB vaccine.
Learn moreTravel Clinic
Heading abroad before term? Get travel jabs and antimalarials in one appointment.
Learn morePharmacy First
Same-day NHS treatment for common conditions without a GP appointment.
Learn moreGet protected before term starts
Free NHS MenB jabs for eligible Year 13 leavers and first-year students. Walk in to Qrystal Pharmacy on Borough High Street — minutes from London Bridge — or pre-book your first dose today.