NHS New Free NHS Service for Students

Free MenB Vaccination for Students in Blackburn

Heading to university or college in 2026? Get your free NHS meningitis B (MenB) vaccination at Curo Pharmacy — two doses of the Bexsero vaccine, walk in, no GP needed. Protect yourself before you move into halls.

FREE
NHS-funded — both doses
Under 25
Students & Year 13 leavers
2 doses
28+ days apart (Bexsero)
No GP
Walk in — no appointment
About the Service

About the NHS MenB Vaccination Service

Meningococcal group B (MenB) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) in the UK. It can develop suddenly and become life-threatening within hours — and students moving into shared accommodation are at higher risk, with cases peaking in October and November.

This is a brand-new, one-off NHS service running from 20 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, introduced after a large MenB outbreak in the UK in early 2026. It offers eligible students two doses of the 4CMenB vaccine (brand name Bexsero), given at least 28 days apart. Curo Pharmacy is offering this service so you can get protected close to home, without waiting for a GP appointment.

Don't leave it too late. Your first dose must be given before 31 December 2026, and you need two doses at least 28 days apart. Start early — ideally before you head off to university — so you're fully protected when term begins.
How it works

Protected in three steps

Getting your free MenB vaccination at Curo Pharmacy is quick and simple — here's what happens.

Step 1

1. We check eligibility

Bring proof of your university or college place (offer letter or UCAS confirmation). Year 13 leavers are eligible automatically — we'll confirm in minutes.

  • Students under 25 entering halls
  • Year 13 leavers automatically
  • Bring your offer/UCAS proof
Step 2

2. We vaccinate

Your first Bexsero dose is given by a trained vaccinator in our private room — then you come back for your second dose at least 28 days later.

  • Two doses, 28+ days apart
  • Trained vaccinators
  • 1st dose before 31 Dec 2026
Step 3

3. You're protected

After both doses you're protected against MenB — going into the riskiest months of student life with peace of mind. Your GP record is updated automatically.

  • Protected before term peaks
  • GP record updated
  • Know the signs of meningitis

Hover or tap a card to see its key points

Scope of the Service

Who is eligible?

This one-off NHS service is aimed at young people most at risk as they start higher education and move into shared accommodation. If you're not sure whether you qualify, just ask us — we'll check for you.

Eligible

  • Year 13 school leavers — born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (eligible regardless of whether you're going on to university)
  • First-year university students under 25, starting an undergraduate course in autumn 2026 — bring proof such as a university offer letter, email or UCAS confirmation
  • First-year college / further education students under 25 moving into halls or shared accommodation for the first time in autumn 2026

Not eligible

  • Anyone who has already completed a two-dose MenB vaccine course within the last 5 years
  • Postgraduate students and students who aren't in their first year
  • People not entering higher education or moving into student accommodation
  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergy to a component of the Bexsero vaccine
Eligibility for this service follows the official NHS specification, which uses specific date-of-birth ranges. The summary above covers the main groups — if you're close to the age limit or unsure about your proof of study, call us on 01254 660473 and we'll confirm whether you qualify.
Your Visit

What to expect

Each MenB dose is a quick injection in the upper arm. You'll need two visits, at least 28 days apart — most appointments take around 10 minutes.

Bring your proof

Walk in or call ahead. University students bring an offer letter or UCAS confirmation; Year 13 leavers just need their date of birth.

Quick check & consent

Your pharmacist confirms eligibility, checks suitability and answers any questions before your jab.

First dose

Your first Bexsero dose is given in our private consultation room, with a short observation afterwards.

Second dose

Come back at least 28 days later for your second dose to complete the course. Your GP record is updated automatically.

Get in Touch

Ask us about the MenB Vaccination

Not sure if you're eligible, or want to book your first dose? Send us a message and a member of our team will respond within one working day.

Message sent

Thank you. A member of our team will respond within one working day.

Frequently Asked

MenB Vaccination FAQs

Is the MenB vaccine free?
Yes — it's completely free on the NHS for eligible students. There's no charge for either dose.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccination?
Year 13 school leavers (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), and first-year university or college students under 25 moving into halls for the first time in autumn 2026. Students starting higher education need to show proof such as a university offer letter or UCAS confirmation. Not sure? Call us and we'll check.
How many doses do I need, and when?
Two doses of the 4CMenB (Bexsero) vaccine, given at least 28 days apart. Your first dose must be before 31 December 2026, and the service runs until 31 March 2027 — so it's best to start early, ideally before you move away for university.
Why are students being offered this vaccine?
Students moving into shared accommodation are at higher risk of meningococcal disease, and cases peak in October and November. This one-off NHS programme follows a large MenB outbreak in the UK in early 2026 and aims to protect those at highest immediate risk.
What are the signs of meningitis I should know?
No vaccine covers every type of meningitis, so stay alert. Warning signs include a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion, cold hands and feet, and a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass. Meningitis can develop very quickly — if you suspect it, call 999 or go straight to A&E. Don't wait for the rash.
Do I need an appointment?
No — you can walk in during opening hours, or call ahead for a convenient time. No GP referral needed. The NHS may also contact eligible students directly through the NHS App, text, email or letter.
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Ready to access this service?

Walk in during opening hours, give us a call, or send a message — we'll make sure you get what you need.

Call 01254 660473 Find & Visit Us