BRADFORD students are being urged to get a free NHS MenB vaccination before heading to university, with experts warning the window to complete the two-dose course is closing.
Around one million young people in England are eligible for the free vaccination programme, but just 100,000 have so far taken up the offer.
With university terms beginning in as little as three weeks, health experts are urging eligible students and parents not to leave it until the last minute.
The MenB vaccination requires two doses at least 28 days apart, followed by a further two weeks for the body to build immunity.
That means the full process can take around six weeks.
Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist Wendy Lee of Well Pharmacy said: “Starting university means youngsters are meeting lots of new people and often living in close-contact settings such as halls of residence, where infections can spread more easily.
“MenB can become serious very quickly, and vaccination is a simple way to give students and parents peace of mind before they head off to university.
“A big thing to remember is this is not a single vaccination. The course requires two doses given at least four weeks apart.
“So, we encourage students and parents to book now so they are protected rather than waiting until university is about to start.”
Are you eligible for the MenB vaccine?
A new NHS vaccination programme launches this summer to help protect eligible young people from meningococcal B disease, which can lead to meningitis and sepsis.
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Who can get the free MenB jab?
The one-off NHS programme is available to:
- Young people who were in Year 13 during the 2025/26 academic year
- First-time university students under 25 who will be living in halls or other residential accommodation
- International students under 25 starting university this year
The free vaccination is available at 435 participating Well Pharmacies across England.
Nearly one million students are eligible for a free NHS MenB jab, but experts warn the six-week vaccination process means time is running out.
(Image: Alamy/PA)
Why is the MenB jab being offered?
The vaccination protects against meningitis B, a serious bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia.
The infection can become severe within hours and around one in 10 cases are fatal.
The one-off vaccination programme was launched after three teenagers died during meningitis B outbreaks last year.
During a MenB cluster in Kent in March, two young people died, including 18-year-old A-level student Juliette Kenny.
A second victim, a 21-year-old University of Kent student, was not publicly named at the family's request.
In May 2026, 17-year-old Lewis Waters also died during a separate Berkshire cluster.
Nearly one million students are eligible for a free NHS MenB jab
(Image: Alamy/PA)
Meningitis symptoms to look out for
Meningitis can develop rapidly, and its early symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for flu or other common illnesses.
Symptoms can include:
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
Anyone concerned about possible meningitis symptoms should seek urgent medical help immediately.
Eligible students can check whether they qualify and book an appointment through Well Pharmacy's MenB vaccination programme.
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Well pharmacists can also advise on symptoms, when urgent medical attention is needed and whether someone is eligible for the free NHS MenB vaccination.
Those who are not eligible for the NHS programme can also access MenB vaccination privately at Well Pharmacy stores.
The vaccination is subject to eligibility and availability.