News in the media
13.7.26
MenB (time-limited) Vaccination Programme in Community Pharmacies
Parents may be aware that, from the 20th July 2026, community pharmacies will be offering the MenB vaccination to the following cohorts:
- Individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (current Year 13 students)
- Individuals born on or after 21 July 2001 who are entering Higher Education or Residential Further Education (HERFE) for the first time in Autumn 2026
The programme will be delivered from 20th July 2026 to 31st March 2027.
As of today (13 July 2026), Year 13 pupils (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) can book their MenB vaccination through the NHS national booking service, go to national booking system ahead of appointments becoming available at participating community pharmacies from Monday 20 July 2026.
Eligible students are being contacted via the NHS App, text, or letter, depending on contact details held by the NHS. However, they do not need to wait if they are eligible.
Under 25s (born on or after 21 July 2021) who are starting university or certain residential further education settings for the first time this autumn, are also eligible for the vaccine. However, they will not receive an invitation from the NHS but can self-refer and get a vaccination at a participating pharmacy. This service will open on Monday 20 July 2026. Individuals born on or after 21 July 2001 who are entering Higher Education or Residential Further Education for the first time in Autumn 2026 can go to the Pharmacy Services finder to locate a participating pharmacy.
Thursday 18th June 2026
On the 12 June 2026 the UKHSA announced the rollout of a new Men B programme to a particular cohort of eligible young people.
This vaccination will be delivered through community pharmacy services, and Oxfordshire School Aged Immunisation Service do not hold any further details regarding how the programme will be rolled out or how appointments will be booked. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting the UK Health Security Agency blog:
UKHSA MenB Programme Information
If you have specific questions about accessing the vaccine, your local pharmacy may be able to provide further advice.
Article from the UK Health Security Agency published 29.1.26
1 in 4 school-leavers unprotected by HPV vaccine – GOV.UK
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19th-25th January 2026) – Find out more from the Eve Appeal (gynaecological cancers charity) via this link:
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – The Eve Appeal
The link below is a BBC news article highlighting the benefits of receiving the HPV vaccination : HPV vaccine stops 90% of cervical cancer cases – BBC News
Article dated 7.1.25 from the UK Health Security Agency blog page. In this article, Becca Heritage, a young university student, shares her personal story of contracting Meningitis.
Meningitis: I underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of several fingers
Article published 23.1.2025 HPV – News Story by UK Health Security Agency ;
Young people urged to catch-up on missed HPV vaccines
Page last reviewed: 14 July, 2026