Meningitis B vaccine rollout begins for students – what you need to know

By Hamid Merchant, Head of Department for Bioscience, University of East London

Thousands of students heading to university or residential college this autumn will be eligible for a free meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine, following an outbreak in Kent earlier this year that was linked to two deaths. From July 20, participating pharmacies across England will offer MenB vaccinations to eligible students. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the vaccine?

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia – serious infections that can rapidly become life-threatening.

~	Why is it so hard for unis to agree on a definition of ‘antisemitism’?

~	El Salvador: The human cost of the state of exception could amount to crimes against humanity

~	‘Balcony solar’ and plug-in systems could help cut your energy costs. But only if rules change

~	Trump wants to make daylight saving time permanent – but some fear the move would be a nightmare

~	Australia wants to ‘manage’ AI. What will that look like?

~	The Trump administration wants to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Can it?

~	The PM has pledged to protect artists’ copyright. But without action on AI theft it is all hot air

~	How can universities better protect students and staff from antisemitism?

~	Politics with Michelle Grattan: Wayne Swan on a ‘dramatically different’ political contest

~	US: Deaths, Neglect in Fort Bliss Immigration Detention

Meningitis B vaccine rollout begins for students – what you need to know

What is the vaccine?

I’m starting…Read complete article© The Conversation - Wednesday, July 15, 2026

I’m starting…

Read complete article
© The Conversation - Wednesday, July 15, 2026