Description

Meningococcal disease is a rare but dangerous bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis.

Meningitis is a serious infection of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord. If it’s not treated quickly, it can cause life-threatening sepsis (inflammation throughout the body) and long-term brain or nerve damage.

Following recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK, the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine is being offered to some older teenagers and some new students who are at higher risk of
exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.

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Last updated: 23 June 2026