Student urges others to get MenB vaccine before heading to university

As thousands of young people prepare to leave home for university this September, Jake Hopkins, aged 18, from Shropshire, is encouraging others to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations before starting university.

With his university place confirmed, Jake made getting vaccinated part of his preparations alongside shopping for essentials and planning for student life.

Meningococcal B disease, known as MenB, can develop quickly and cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Students living in shared accommodation can be at increased risk because they are mixing closely with lots of new people.

The FREE two-dose MenB vaccination course is available to:

• 17 to 18-year-olds (Year 13) born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
  • People aged 24 or under starting university for the first time this autumn or starting at some residential further education settings.

Eligible young people can book a MenB vaccination or find their nearest pharmacy offering MenB vaccinations through the National Booking Service.

Jake, who received his vaccine at Wellington Pharmacy, hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to get vaccinated before they leave home.

He said: “Getting ready for university means there’s lots to think about, but making sure I was vaccinated was a really straightforward part of my preparations. I want to enjoy meeting new people and make the most of the experience, so protecting myself against serious illnesses like meningitis made sense.

“You spend ages sorting out where you’re going to live and what to pack. Booking my vaccination only took a few minutes, and knowing I’m taking steps to protect myself before starting university is definitely worth it. I know lots of my friends are getting their vaccinations too, so it feels like a really normal part of getting ready for university.

“If you’re heading to university this September, I’d encourage you to check you’re up to date with your vaccinations before you go. I’d also say don’t leave it until the last minute. The MenB vaccine is free and given in two doses at least four weeks apart, so make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the course and get the best possible protection before you head off to university.”

Matthew Missen, Public Health Consultant for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Meningitis from MenB infection is uncommon but can become life-threatening very quickly. It is important that young people know the signs and symptoms and seek urgent medical help if they are concerned.

“Starting university is an exciting time for students but does come with increased risk of infection spreading when living in halls of residence and socialising closely with lots of new people. Making sure you are protected through two free doses of MenB vaccination at a pharmacy near you is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of MenB disease, which can cause severe infection and emergency hospital admission to treat meningitis and septicaemia.

“It’s also a good time to check that you’re up to date with all NHS routine vaccinations before heading to university. You can check your vaccination records on the NHS App or speak to your GP Practice if you’re unsure.”

Alex Manuel Ruizcarrasco, Pharmacist for Day Lewis Pharmacy in Oswestry, said: “Getting vaccinated is quick, convenient and completely free for eligible young people. I see first-hand how important vaccinations are in helping to protect people from serious illnesses, and getting vaccinated is the best way to give yourself the strongest possible protection.

“Eligible young people can book their MenB vaccine through their National Booking Service or visit a participating pharmacy offering vaccinations. Two doses, given at least four weeks apart, are needed for the best possible protection, so it’s important to book early and complete the course before starting university.”

The MenB vaccination is free for eligible young people. As this is a time-limited programme, anyone wanting the full two-dose course should book soon. First doses are available until 31 December 2026, and the final dose must be administered by 31 March 2027. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first.

To book your MenB vaccine, visit: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment/

For more information about meningitis, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

For more information about NHS vaccinations and when to have them, visit: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/