Guernsey students heading to university to receive Meningitis B vaccine

Friday, 12 June 2026 at 12:30

A UK Government programme to offer the meningitis B vaccine to Year 13 pupils, and those under 25 starting university this autumn, is set to be extended to Guernsey.

The one-off jab programme will offer two doses to youngsters aged 17 and 18 in Year 13, as well as those aged 25 who are going to university or other residential further education.

The UK Government says young people will be offered their first dose from July, with a second dose given in August, as two doses at least four weeks apart are needed for full protection.

In a statement, Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Guernsey's Public Health said this offer will be extended to Guernsey students, and they'll provide an update on local arrangements in the coming weeks.

“Public Health are aware of the programme planned in the UK and are working on the local offer.

"More details will be provided in the coming weeks of eligibility and how those eligible can access the vaccine.

“Details on who currently receives a Meningitis B vaccine can be found here: gov.gg/childvaccines"

There was a meningitis outbreak in Kent earlier this year, in which two students died. There were 20 cases in total.

That prompted Public Health Guernsey to ask local students, who were studying in the area, to follow UKHSA and university advice.

A teenage boy in Oxfordshire died last month after contracting meningitis.