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Online MenB booking expands so all eligible young people can arrange both doses

The NHS National Booking Service now allows every eligible young person in the time-limited MenB programme to book a first or second dose online ahead of university and college terms.

By The TEA Editorial Desk · 28 August 2026

NHS MenB vaccine campaign artwork for young people Image: NHS EnglandOriginal source

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All young people for England's temporary MenB vaccination programme can now book both their first and second doses through the NHS National Booking Service.

The programme covers 17 and 18-year-olds in the relevant birth cohort and eligible under-25s starting university or certain residential further-education courses for the first time this autumn.

Previously, some students had to contact participating pharmacies directly. The expanded online route means everybody in the eligible groups can now use the same booking system, while pharmacy walk-ins remain available. Two doses are needed at least 28 days apart.

The timing is . First-year students are at higher risk of meningococcal disease because people live and socialise more closely in shared accommodation. Making the vaccine easier to book is an unflashy change, but reducing friction around is often exactly how public-health programmes work better.