MenB vaccination protects against meningococcal group B, a cause of meningitis and sepsis. It is free on the NHS at Lower House Pharmacy if you are eligible. You may be eligible if you are starting university for the first time this autumn. First doses end on 31 December 2026. You need two doses, at least 4 weeks apart.
Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .
Who the NHS vaccination is for
The NHS MenB programme is a one-off offer for a limited time. You are eligible if:
- you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. You are invited to book through the National Booking Service
- you were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university for the first time this autumn. Starting residential further education counts too. You can walk in without being registered with a GP
First doses end on 31 December 2026 and second doses on 31 March 2027. If you are not in these groups, MenB vaccination is a private service. Ask at the counter or call us before you book.
What happens at the appointment
Book a time, or walk in
Book online if you know when you want to come. If you are starting university this autumn, you can also walk in during opening hours.
A few questions first
The pharmacist checks the vaccine is right for you today. They ask, for example, whether you are unwell, have any allergies, or have had a MenB vaccine before.
The vaccination
The vaccine is given in your upper arm in a private consultation room. It only takes a moment.
Your second dose
You need a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first. NHS second doses run until 31 March 2027, so plan it before you leave for university.
Questions people ask
Is MenB vaccination free?
It is free on the NHS at Lower House Pharmacy if you are in one of the eligible groups. First doses end on 31 December 2026. Outside those groups it is a private service.
Do I need to be registered with a GP?
Not if you are starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn: you can walk in at Lower House Pharmacy. If you were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, you are invited to book through the National Booking Service.
How many doses do I need?
Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart. Protection builds over about 2 weeks after the second dose.
When is the last date for the NHS vaccination?
First doses end on 31 December 2026 and second doses on 31 March 2027. After 31 December 2026 the NHS course cannot be started.