The NHS MenB vaccine for Year 13 leavers and new students
Davyhulme Pharmacy has been commissioned to deliver the new NHS Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination from 20 July 2026. It is a one-off, two-dose course for teenagers finishing school and young people heading to university or college for the first time — protecting the age group most at risk, right here in Urmston, Davyhulme, Flixton, Stretford and across Trafford.
- Free on the NHS, if eligible
- Two doses, at least 28 days apart
- Year 13 & new under-25 students
Three groups can have it free this autumn
This is a deliberately narrow, time-limited offer aimed at the age band where meningococcal risk is highest. You are covered on the NHS if you are in one of these groups and have not completed a MenB course in the last five years.
Year 13 pupils
Everyone in school Year 13 this academic year — that means anyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 — can have the free course, whether or not university is your next step.
First-year students under 25
First-year undergraduates beginning university this autumn who are under 25 (born on or after 21 July 2001). Overseas students arriving in Greater Manchester for their first year are included as well.
New college students in residence
Anyone starting college for the first time and moving into halls or shared residential accommodation, again if they are under 25 (born on or after 21 July 2001).
Bring proof of your place. For the university and college routes, an offer letter, confirmation email or a screenshot of your place is all we need. Our pharmacist confirms everything on the day.
Two doses, spaced to give real protection
First dose
We give your first MenB injection and check your eligibility against your school, college or university place. First doses are offered up to 31 December 2026.
A gap of at least 28 days
The second dose has to wait at least four weeks after the first — that spacing is what makes the course work, so we book you back in at the right time.
Second dose
Your final injection completes the course. Second doses can be given up to 31 March 2027, when the NHS programme closes.
Roughly two more weeks
Allow about a fortnight after the second dose for your protection to build fully — so it is worth starting the course before you move away for term.
Key dates
- NHS pharmacy service runs 20 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
- First doses available up to 31 December 2026.
- Second doses can follow, at least 28 days later, up to 31 March 2027.
Not the same as MenACWY
The teenage MenACWY jab covers meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. MenB protects against group B, which this new programme specifically targets. They are different vaccines — many students are advised to have both.
Private MenB is still available
The NHS offer is tightly defined. If it does not include you — perhaps you are a returning student, over 25, or a parent arranging protection for the family — you can still have exactly the same vaccine privately at our pharmacy. It is the same two-dose course, at least 28 days apart. Get in touch and we will talk you through it.
MenB questions, answered
Who can get the free NHS MenB vaccine at Davyhulme Pharmacy?+
Three groups qualify for the autumn-2026 rollout: school Year 13 pupils (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008); first-year university students under 25 (born on or after 21 July 2001), including those arriving from overseas; and people starting college for the first time and moving into halls, again under 25. If you fall into one of these, the two-dose course is free.
Is it really free?+
Yes. For the eligible groups above the whole two-dose course is funded by the NHS. If you are outside those groups the NHS will not cover it on this programme, but we can arrange the same vaccine for you privately — just ask.
When can I book in Urmston?+
The NHS pharmacy service goes live on 20 July 2026 and runs to the end of March 2027, with first doses available up to 31 December 2026. We are opening appointment slots close to launch — register your interest and we will let you know the moment booking is live.
Why do I need two doses?+
One dose does not give reliable protection. The course is two injections spaced at least 28 days apart, and it takes roughly two more weeks after the second for your immunity to build. Starting early means you are covered before freshers’ week and moving into halls.
Is MenB the same as the MenACWY jab I had at school?+
No. MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y and is the routine teenage vaccine (also needed for Hajj and Umrah). MenB protects specifically against group B, which this new student programme targets. They are different vaccines and you may be advised to have both.
I had MenB as a baby — do I still need this?+
The MenB doses given in the routine childhood schedule are separate from this one-off teenage and student offer, which is aimed at the age group now most at risk. If you are in an eligible group and have not completed a MenB course in the last five years, you can have it.
What should I bring to my appointment?+
If you are booking on the university or college route, bring something that shows you are starting your course this autumn — an offer letter, a confirmation email or a screenshot of your place is fine. The pharmacist confirms your eligibility against this when you attend.
I am not in an eligible group — can I still have MenB?+
Yes. MenB is available privately to anyone, which suits returning or later-year students, over-25s, or parents arranging protection for the family. Get in touch and we will book the two-dose course at a time that works for you.
Our sources
The eligibility, dates and dosing on this page follow official guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Community Pharmacy England (CPE) and GOV.UK. Programme details can change, so always check the latest.
Be ready for the MenB rollout
Register your interest ahead of the 20 July 2026 launch, or arrange a private course if you are not eligible. We are your neighbourhood pharmacy on Canterbury Road in Urmston.
Information on this website is for general guidance only and does not replace a personal consultation. A pharmacist will always assess you and decide whether a service is suitable before any treatment is supplied. MenB eligibility is confirmed by the pharmacist against acceptable evidence when you attend. This page follows UKHSA, Community Pharmacy England and GOV.UK guidance and was last reviewed on 1 June 2026 by Muhammad Adnan, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2073652).