Young people in Lincolnshire urged to book vaccination against illness that can lead to brain damage, limb loss or death

The NHS has launched a one-off vaccination programme offering free MenB vaccinations at local pharmacies for eligible 17 and 18 year-olds (Year 13), as well as students under 25 who are moving into university or residential college accommodation for the first time this autumn.

Vaccination appointments are available to book now, with the first appointments taking place from 20 July.

A spokesperson for NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Meningococcal B infection can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to sepsis. In some cases, it can lead to life-changing disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss, and can be fatal. The bacteria can spread through close and regular contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged contact with an infected person, including in shared living spaces.

“Students living in halls of residence or shared accommodation are at increased risk, with first-year university students around seven times more likely to develop the disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university. Two doses of the vaccine are needed, given at least 28 days apart, so eligible young people are being encouraged to book as soon as possible to ensure they are fully protected before the autumn term begins.”

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICBs, said: "Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new health risks as young people begin living, studying and socialising with large groups of people. Meningitis B can develop very quickly and have devastating consequences, even in otherwise healthy young adults.

"The good news is that vaccination provides important protection against this serious disease. If you are eligible for the MenB vaccine, I would strongly encourage you to book an appointment as soon as possible and make sure both doses are received before the start of term.

"A few minutes spent booking the vaccine now could help prevent a life-threatening illness later."

Those eligible include people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, and students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university or certain residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.

Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book their vaccination through the NHS National Booking Service. You may also receive an invitation from the NHS. Students under 25 who are starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn can obtain the vaccine from participating community pharmacies.

The spokesperson continued: “The vaccine is not available from GP practices. Please take acceptable evidence to your vaccination appointment confirming that you are due to attend Higher Education or residential Further Education for the first time in the academic year 2026 to 2027, any one of the following will do:

• An official email confirmation of your offer of a place at your chosen university or college from either the HE institution (usually a @ac.uk email address) or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

• A letter (hard copy or email) confirming you have received an offer of a place for the 2026 to 2027 academic year at your chosen university or college

• A screenshot of your offer of a place at your chosen university or college from the UCAS Hub.

Eligible young people are encouraged to book as soon as possible, as two doses are needed for protection and must be given at least 28 days apart. You can find out more about the MenB vaccination here.