From today (13 July), some young people will be able to free book a MenB vaccination by scheduling an appointment online.

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) said: "Eligible young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to take up a time-limited offer of a free meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination before starting university or further education this autumn.

"As part of a one-off national catch-up vaccination programme launching in July 2026, thousands of young people across England will be offered protection against MenB disease ahead of entering higher and further education, where close and prolonged contact in shared accommodation and social settings can increase the risk of transmission.

"Meningococcal disease is rare but can develop rapidly and become life-threatening.

"It can cause life-changing complications, including amputations, hearing loss and brain damage, and is fatal in around one in 10 cases."

Around a million young people are eligible for the vaccine.

There have been more cases of MenB than normal this year with two young people dying in an outbreak in Kent in March, 18-year-old sixth form pupil Juliette Kenny and a 21-year-old student from the University of Kent.

Those who are eligible:

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• people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
• people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn

Only those aged 17 and 18 can use the online booking service.

Other eligible people can contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment, which start from Monday (20 July).

Click here for the national booking service.

To find out more about walk-in vaccinations, click here.