Meningococcal group B (MenB) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) in teenagers and young adults. As a confirmed participating pharmacy for the new one-off NHS MenB programme, Hucclecote Pharmacy can vaccinate eligible students free of charge — and offer the same vaccine privately to anyone who isn't eligible. Students across Gloucester, Hucclecote, Churchdown, Brockworth, Barnwood and Abbeymead are welcome to book or walk in.
First-year students have a meningococcal disease risk around 7 times higher than peers who don't go to university. The risk is highest for people who:
Getting both MenB doses before term starts gives your body time to build protection when you need it most.
The MenB vaccine is free on the NHS for eligible students under the new 2026 programme. If you're not eligible, you can still protect yourself with our private MenB vaccination from £125 per dose.
Getting your MenB vaccine before university has real benefits for you and those around you:
A full MenB course is two doses given at least 28 days apart, with full protection around 6 weeks after your first dose. Here's how it works at our Gloucester pharmacy:
Book online or by phone, or simply walk in during our opening hours. No GP referral or prescription is needed — the NHS programme is delivered through pharmacies like ours.
Our pharmacist confirms whether you qualify for the free NHS vaccine or the private option, checks the vaccine is suitable for you, and answers any questions.
The 4CMenB (Bexsero) vaccine is given as a quick injection in the upper arm. Under the NHS programme, aim to have your first dose by 31 December 2026.
Return for your second dose at least 28 days after the first to complete the course — by 31 March 2027 under the NHS programme. We'll help you plan the timing before you leave.
Our pharmacist explains what to expect after vaccination, including common side effects such as a sore arm or mild fever, and how to manage them.
No vaccine protects against every type of meningitis, so it's vital to know the signs. Meningitis and septicaemia can develop quickly and become life-threatening within hours, especially in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms can appear in any order — and some may not appear at all.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, don't wait for a rash. Call 999 or go straight to A&E. Tell them you're worried about meningitis or septicaemia. It's always better to get checked even if you're not sure.
Under the new one-off NHS MenB programme in England, the vaccine is free for: Year 13 students born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008; undergraduate freshers born on or after 21 July 2001 starting university for the first time in autumn 2026; and students born on or after 21 July 2001 starting further education for the first time and living in college or halls accommodation. International and devolved-nation students attending eligible England settings also qualify.
Yes. If you fall outside the NHS cohorts you can still protect yourself with our private MenB vaccination, available from £125 per dose. A full course is two doses given at least 28 days apart.
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine, given at least 28 days apart. It takes around 6 weeks from your first dose to reach full protection, so it's best not to leave it until the last minute before term starts.
This is a time-limited programme. You should have your first dose by 31 December 2026 and your second dose by 31 March 2027. The programme runs through community pharmacies in England, including Hucclecote Pharmacy, from 20 July 2026 — it is delivered by pharmacies rather than GP surgeries.
Students in their first year of university have a risk of meningococcal disease around 7 times higher than young people of a similar age who don't go to university. Living and socialising closely with lots of new people in halls and at freshers' events helps the bacteria spread, which is why vaccination before term is so important.
We use 4CMenB (Bexsero), the same MenB vaccine used in the NHS programme, for both NHS-eligible and private patients. It is given as an injection in the upper arm by our trained pharmacists.
Yes. International students and students from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland count for the free NHS vaccine as long as they are attending an eligible university or further education setting in England and meet the age criteria.
