Free NHS MenB vaccines for eligible students in Kingston, including young people starting university or further education during the 2026/27 academic year.
NHS MenB Vaccine in Kingston
If you are starting university or further education this year, you may now be eligible to receive the NHS MenB vaccine at participating community pharmacies, including The Kingston Pharmacy.
The new NHS MenB vaccination programme has been introduced to improve access to protection against meningococcal group B disease by allowing eligible young people to receive their vaccine conveniently at their local pharmacy.
Whether you are studying in Kingston, moving into halls of residence or attending university elsewhere, getting vaccinated before term starts can help protect you during one of the highest-risk periods for meningococcal disease.
What Is the MenB Vaccine?
The MenB vaccine, Bexsero®, helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning.
Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can develop rapidly and become life-threatening within hours.
- Teenagers
- Young adults
- Students living in shared accommodation
- People living closely together in university halls
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce this risk.
Why Has the NHS Introduced This New Pharmacy Vaccination Programme?
Historically, the MenB vaccine has been routinely offered to babies through the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.
The new NHS pharmacy programme has been introduced to increase protection for older teenagers and young adults who are entering higher education or residential further education settings, where meningococcal bacteria can spread more easily through close social contact.
- Convenient appointment times
- Local access without visiting a GP
- Walk-in availability at many locations
- Experienced NHS-trained vaccination teams
The aim is to maximise uptake of both doses of the vaccine before students begin the academic year.
Who Can Get the NHS MenB Vaccine?
Eligibility is determined by NHS England and includes specific age groups and students entering higher education or residential further education during the 2026/27 academic year.
- Aged 17 or 18 years, within the NHS eligibility dates
- Starting undergraduate university in autumn 2026
- Moving into university halls of residence for the first time
- Starting eligible residential further education
- An international student studying in England who meets the eligibility criteria
Your pharmacist will check your eligibility before vaccination.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
The NHS MenB programme provides two doses of the vaccine.
- The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first
- Both doses are needed for the best protection
- Ideally, both doses should be completed before starting university or college
- Your pharmacist can help arrange your second dose
If you have previously received part of a MenB vaccination course, your pharmacist will advise what further doses, if any, are required according to NHS guidance.
Why Get Vaccinated Before University?
Starting university is exciting, but it also means meeting hundreds of new people and often living in shared accommodation.
Meningococcal bacteria spread through prolonged close contact.
Because of this increased exposure, the first few months at university carry a higher risk of meningococcal disease.
Vaccination before arrival helps provide protection when you need it most.
Get Your NHS MenB Vaccine in Kingston
The Kingston Pharmacy is proud to participate in the new NHS MenB vaccination programme.
If you are eligible, our trained vaccination team can provide your MenB vaccine in a private consultation room, answer any questions you may have and arrange your second dose to ensure you complete the full course.
- Kingston upon Thames
- Surbiton
- New Malden
- Norbiton
- Tolworth
- Richmond
- Wimbledon
- Esher
- Teddington
- Hampton Wick
- Chessington
- The surrounding Surrey and South West London areas
Book Your NHS MenB Vaccine
If you are eligible for the NHS MenB vaccination programme, booking your appointment is quick and easy.
At The Kingston Pharmacy, we are committed to making NHS vaccinations accessible, convenient and delivered by experienced healthcare professionals.
Book your appointment today and protect yourself before starting university or college.





