Young people in Wales will be offered Meningococcal B (Men B)
vaccination for the first time, in autumn 2026, as part of a time
limited programme.
The programme is being introduced as a precautionary measure
following the unprecedented outbreak of Men B primarily among
University of Kent students in March 2026 and other more recent
unseasonal clusters elsewhere in the UK.
Men B is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease
in the UK, and can cause meningitis and sepsis, both of which can
be life-threatening.
Evidence shows that young people face higher risk of contracting
Men B, and that there are particularly risks associated with
higher educational settings due to high levels of close social
mixing.
The roll-out will run from July to December 2026 and will be
available to all those currently aged 17-18 years (born between 1
September 2007 and 31 August 2008), as well as anyone aged 18-25
who will be entering higher education or residential further
education for the first time in autumn 2026, including
international students.
The vaccine will be offered in a two-dose programme. Those aged
17-18 will receive an invitation letter from their health board
from 6 July providing details on how to get their vaccine. Those
aged 18-25 who will be entering higher education or residential
further education for the first time this autumn, including
international students, will need to contact their health board
after 20 July to find out more information.
Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, , said:
"Meningococcal B is a rare but extremely serious disease that can
progress quickly and devastate young lives. Following recent
outbreaks across the UK, the Welsh Government has acted
decisively to ensure that young people in Wales will be offered
this additional protection and I urge everyone who is eligible to
take up their vaccination offer."
Wales' Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, said:
"This is a safe and effective vaccine that will offer important
protection to those who receive it. With the new academic year
approaching, it is vital that eligible young people come forward
for both doses as soon as the programme opens. I encourage all
those who qualify to act promptly."
Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease
Programme at Public Health Wales said:
Young people heading to university for the first time are at an
elevated risk of Meningitis B, as they mix with new groups of
people while enjoying their new environment. Having two
doses of this vaccination, ideally before they depart for
university, will give them the best protection against this
infection, which can cause such serious illness.
