UKHSA reports most eligible young people in England lack MenB vaccine

Based on a recent report, roughly 75% of qualifying youth in England have yet to take their initial MenB jab. Health officials introduced the one-off vaccination programme in July 2026 to protect students and other young adults against meningococcal disease, urging uptake ahead of the autumn term.

Low Uptake Figures Across the Eligible Cohort

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency showed that 212,549 individuals within the qualifying Year 13 group had obtained their initial MenB shot by 20 September 2026. This figure accounts for 26.6% of the 799,840 people eligible for the one-off vaccination offer during the first nine weeks of the programme.

Health officials expect vaccination numbers to increase as more young people access the service over time. Young women recorded a higher first-dose uptake than young men at 31.5% compared with 21.9%.

Regional and Demographic Disparities in Vaccination Rates

Coverage varied significantly by region, ranging from 21% in London to 31.6% in the South East. The gap widened further when examined by deprivation level, with coverage sitting at 11.8% in the most deprived areas compared with 45% in the least deprived.

Uptake also differed across ethnic groups, with the highest recorded coverage appearing among young people of Chinese ethnicity. Local pharmacies offer the vaccine, and appointments can be arranged through the NHS website.

Recent Outbreaks Prompt Vaccination Push for University Students

The vaccination push follows three MenB outbreaks in England this year across Kent, Dorset, and Berkshire. These outbreaks resulted in three deaths, while some survivors sustained long-term health problems.

A recent genomic study of the Kent outbreak highlighted how quickly potentially dangerous strains of bacteria can emerge, complicating predictions for future outbreaks. First-year university students face a heightened risk of meningococcal disease, prompting the UKHSA to encourage incoming students to complete the required two doses with at least 28 days between each dose.

Eligible young adults can still access this temporary campaign, which includes individuals who attended Year 13 during the 2025–26 academic year alongside specific individuals under 25 who are beginning university or approved further education programmes in the autumn of 2026.