Parents urged to ensure students have meningitis jab

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children aged 17 to 25 receive the MenB vaccine amid a recent meningitis B outbreak in Canterbury that caused two deaths and affected dozens. The vaccine is now widely available at community pharmacies to improve coverage and prevent further cases among students entering or attending further education.

Health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine ahead of, or during, their time in further education. The call comes in the wake of a recent outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in the Canterbury area, which resulted in two fatalities and affected dozens of young people earlier this year.

The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) emphasized that it is not too late for eligible students to get vaccinated. Under current guidelines, the MenB vaccine is offered to 17- and 18-year-olds, as well as to individuals under 25 who are attending university or residential further education for the first time. The vaccine is now available through participating community pharmacies across England, a move aimed at improving accessibility and uptake.

Between July 20 and August 31, nearly 250,000 doses of the MenB vaccine were administered, reflecting a significant response during the summer vaccination campaign. Meningitis B can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening illnesses such as bacterial meningitis and septicaemia if left untreated.

Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, stressed the importance of timely vaccination following the Kent outbreak earlier this year. “Two young people lost their lives, and students were left queuing for protection,” she said. Hannbeck urged parents to confirm their children are fully vaccinated, adding that those who have already started university should complete their vaccination course promptly. “If they have had the first dose but not the second, it is vital they go to their pharmacy for the second, as both are needed,” she noted.

Health officials continue to highlight the critical role of vaccination in preventing further cases of the disease, particularly among young people who live and study in communal settings, where the risk of transmission is higher. The campaign aims to reduce the incidence of meningitis by increasing vaccine coverage among vulnerable age groups before the academic year progresses.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.