4.9/5 on Google · GPhC registered · NHS-commissioned service · Free of charge · Walk-ins welcome . *Eligibility criteria applies.
Why the MenB vaccine matters for new students
MenB is a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis and sepsis – serious illnesses that can develop very quickly. Living in halls and mixing with lots of new people means the bacteria spread more easily, which is why students in their first year of university have a risk around 7 times higher than people of a similar age who don’t go to university. Getting vaccinated before the autumn term is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself and the people around you.
Two doses for full protection
Given at least 28 days apart. We'll help you get both.
Protection that lasts
The MenB vaccine offers protection for at least 5 years.
Completely free
A time limited NHS programme. There's nothing to pay if eligible.
How it works - three simple steps
Step 1
Check you're eligible
Use our eligibility checker below to confirm you qualify in seconds. Most first-year students under 25 are eligible.
Step 2
Book your slot (or walk in)
Pick one of our on-campus clinic dates below. Prefer to just turn up? Walk-ins are welcome on the day.
Step 3
Get protected from MenB
Get your first dose from our clinical team, and we’ll book you in for your second dose to complete your protection.
Are you eligible?
This free NHS vaccine is for new university students. You’re eligible if you’re starting university for the first time in autumn 2026 and you were born on or after 21 July 2001. This includes international students and students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who are studying in England.
Free NHS MenB Vaccine — Eligibility Checker
The NHS is offering a free, two-dose MenB vaccine to school leavers and new university & college students for autumn 2026. Check in seconds whether you qualify.
Your date of birth
If you're 17–18 (in Year 13 this year) you're eligible regardless of the options below.
Your plans for autumn 2026
Select the one that applies to you.
Reset
Check your eligibility
Enter your date of birth and select your plans, then tap “Check my eligibility”.
This checker is a guide based on the NHS England MenB vaccination service specification (1 July – 31 December 2026). Final eligibility is confirmed by our pharmacist before vaccination. Both doses are needed for protection, given at least 28 days apart.
Our on-campus vaccination clinics
All vaccinations take place on campus at Kingston University on the dates below. Booking is quick and means we’ll have your dose ready and reduce any waiting times.
Our team is on campus for walk-ins on every clinic date above — just come and find us.
Available Treatments
Safe, effective medications reviewed by our clinicians.
Available Treatments at The Kingston Pharmacy, Kingston upon Thames
Meningitis B Vaccine
— Best fo students (especially starting university), young adults, people in shared housing, healthcare workers, or those with close-contact exposure
You are eligible if either of the following applies to you:
• You were born on or after 21 July 2001, and this is your first time attending university, or • You were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 — you're eligible based on your age, whether or not you're starting university.
Not sure? Use our quick online eligibility checker above to find out.
Which vaccine will I get?
Bexsero® (also called 4CMenB). It's been used in the UK's routine infant programme since 2015 and is thoroughly tested with an excellent safety record.
Is it really free?
Yes. This is an NHS-funded programme and there's nothing to pay for eligible students.
How many doses do I need?
The NHS programme offers 2 doses, with your second dose given at least 28 days after your first. We'll explain what happens next and how to arrange your second dose when you attend your first appointment.
I'm already studying at Kingston University. Am I eligible?
If you've already started university and are returning for another year, you would not normally be eligible through the first-time university entrant criteria.
What are the side effects?
Most side effects are mild and temporary — pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache and tiredness. Most settle within 1–2 days and can be managed with paracetamol if needed.
I had the MenACWY vaccine at school — do I still need this?
Yes. MenACWY protects against different types of meningococcal bacteria and won't protect you against MenB. Getting the MenB vaccine is still important.
I'm an international student — can I get vaccinated here?
Yes. International students starting university for the first time this autumn can be eligible for the NHS programme. You're welcome at any of our on-campus clinic dates above.
Can I have my second dose somewhere else?
Yes. You can choose any participating pharmacy for your second dose — it doesn't need to be the same place as your first.
I'm pregnant or breastfeeding — can I have it?
Yes, if you're in the eligible group. There's no evidence of risk from vaccinating during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Speak to our pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?
We welcome both. You can book an appointment in advance or walk in during one of our Kingston clinic sessions. We recommend booking if you'd like to secure a particular time, but we also welcome walk-ins subject to availability.
Do I need an NHS number or to be registered with a GP?
No. You don't need an NHS number or GP registration to have this vaccine.
Ready to get protected?
It takes two minutes to book, and it’s completely free. Get your first dose sorted before term takes over.