Boots has opened bookings for the NHS Meningitis B (MenB) Vaccination Service, which will be available across more than 1,200 pharmacies in England from 20 July 2026.  

The service gives eligible young adults* a convenient way to protect themselves against meningitis B ahead of the autumn term. According to the NHS, first-year university students are seven times more likely to contract meningococcal disease than their peers of a similar age². 

The growing awareness of this infection is reflected in rising demand for protection, with Boots reporting a 2.2K% year-on-year increase³ in uptake of its Private Meningitis B Vaccination Service.** 

Boots Superintendent Pharmacist, Claire Nevinson said: “Meningitis B is a life-threatening infection and the recent outbreak in the UK is a reminder of how quickly it can spread in closely connected groups and the importance of being protected.  Expanding access to the MenB vaccination through community pharmacies makes it easier for young people to access protection for themselves, especially ahead of a new academic year. Often it is these preventative measures that offer the best protection against infections like meningitis." 

Claire also answers some common questions on Men B including its signs and symptoms.  

“Meningitis can be very serious, so it is important to know the signs. Symptoms can appear in any order and get worse quickly. Early signs can include fever, cold hands and feet, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and drowsiness. In babies and toddlers, signs can also include being fretful, not wanting to be held and a tense or bulging soft spot on the head. In children and adults, look out for confusion, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light and difficulty waking.” 

“Meningitis can also cause a rash that may start as small red pinpricks before spreading into red or purple blotches. If you are worried, get medical help straight away." 

“There are many different causes of meningitis, but it’s usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it can lead to serious complications if it’s not treated quickly. Meningitis B is caused by a bacteria which can lead to life threatening symptoms. Symptoms of meningitis can get worse very quickly and you should seek immediate medical help if you suspect your child is showing symptoms of meningitis.” 

“Vaccination is the best way to help protect against the main bacterial strains of meningitis. No vaccination is 100% effective, but getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of infection and offer important peace of mind.”  

“MenB is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, so it is important to make sure vaccination is up to date. If you are unsure whether you or your child is eligible, speak to your GP or pop into your local pharmacy.” 

The NHS MenB Vaccination Programme is free of charge and will run at participating Boots pharmacies in England from 20 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. During the appointment, a specially trained Boots healthcare professional will administer the vaccination and provide advice on meningitis symptoms and prevention. To achieve full protection, patients require two doses of the vaccination, given at least 28 days apart.  

Bookings are now live on boots.com here. For those who do not meet the NHS eligibility criteria, but are looking for protection, Boots also provides a Private Meningitis B Vaccination Service** in over 300 pharmacies to protect adults and children aged two and above.  

^{*Eligible young adults include:} 

• ^{Year 13 school leavers and first-year university students aged under 25}
•  ^{People under 25 starting university as an undergraduate for the first time in autumn 2026}
• ^{People under 25 moving into residential further education accommodation for the first time in autumn 2026}
• ^{International students under 25 entering their first year of university} 

^{**Eligibility criteria and charges apply. In selected pharmacies, subject to availability. Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. Eligibility includes} 

^{1,2 NHS, Who is eligible for the new one-off MenB vaccine programme, June 2026}

^{3 Based on Boots volume sales data comparing January–July 2025 with January–July 2026.}