Eligible students across the Isle of Wight are being urged to book their free MenB vaccinations ahead of the new academic year, with the NHS National Booking Service now open to all young people included in the programme.
When the one-off vaccination programme launched in July, only eligible 17 and 18-year-olds could book through the National Booking Service, with other eligible students directed to participating community pharmacies.
The service has now been expanded, allowing everyone eligible to book their vaccination online, seeing 9,113 eligible people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, having already received their first dose.
2 doses of the MenB vaccine are required for protection, with the second administered at least 28 days after the first, meaning that those who received their first vaccination in July may now be able to receive their second, depending on when their initial dose was given.
The programme was introduced following recent meningitis outbreaks and is aimed at protecting young people at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
Those eligible include young people in Year 13 who were born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, as well as undergraduate students born on or after 21st July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026 are also eligible.
The offer additionally applies to those born on or after 21st July 2001 who are starting a further education college course for the first time this autumn and will live in eligible college-provided accommodation, such as halls of residence.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, GP and Clinical Lead for Vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“We are now at an important point in the MenB vaccination programme. If you had your first dose in July, please check when your second dose is due and book it now.
“Two doses are needed for protection and getting both before you head off to university or move into student accommodation is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself against meningococcal B disease.
“If you haven’t had your first dose yet but you’re eligible, it’s not too late. Please book an appointment as soon as you can. The vaccine is available free on the NHS and taking up the offer now means you can start building your protection ahead of the new academic year.”
First doses will remain available until 31st December 2026, with second doses available until 31st March 2027.
Eligible students can book through the NHS National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment/.
Alternatively, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination helpline can be contacted on 0300 561 0018 between 09:00-16:00, Monday to Friday.
