Young people aged under 25 living in Coventry and Warwickshire will be able to receive a new Meningococcal group B jab this summer.

Those in Year 13 along with other under 25s, including those starting university, will be eligible for the time-limited MenB vaccine.

The administration is launching this immunisation as an exceptional one-time initiative, marking the inaugural rollout in autumn 2026.

The programme follows two deaths linked to a serious Meningitis B cluster in Kent during March.

Councillor Anne Marie-Sonko, who serves as cabinet member for adult social care and health at Warwickshire County Council, called on those who qualify to get vaccinated.

She stressed the importance of anyone meeting the criteria who is heading to university or moving into further education college accommodation for the first instance obtaining both MenB jabs. She urged eligible individuals not to delay seeking protection before departing for university or college, and to schedule their appointment promptly.

Eligibility criteria include current Year 13 pupils in England and Wales, those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, undergraduate newcomers born on or after 21 July 2001 who will be commencing university studies in autumn 2026, those born on or after 21 July 2001 who will reside in further education settings or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026, and international students under 25 beginning their first year who should obtain their initial dose in their home country where feasible.

From July onwards, NHS will reach out to Year 13 pupils with a link to reserve a pharmacy appointment. Eligible university students and residential further education attendees will have access to walk-in vaccination services at participating pharmacies.