NHS vaccine '55 days left' deadline alert as 'two doses needed for protection'

NHS vaccine '55 days left' deadline alert as 'two doses needed for protection' The NHS has issued an urgent reminder that time is running out to get your free jab The NHS has issued a fresh vaccine reminder, urging people to act as there are only "55 days left". People across the UK are being urged to come forward for a free vaccination before a strict end-of-year deadline. In an alert shared on X today, Friday, November 6, NHS UK reminded anyone born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008 that there are less than two months left to get their first dose. To remain eligible under the one-off scheme, the first injection must be given by the end of December 2026. It said: "Born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008? There are less than two months left to get your first MenB vaccine. If eligible, you need your first dose by 30 December 2026. Two doses are needed for protection. Find out more and book: https://nhs.uk/book-menb." Why are 18 and 19-year-olds at risk? After babies, 18 and 19-year-olds face the highest risk of catching meningococcal disease. At this age, many young adults are leaving school, starting university or apprenticeships, and moving into shared accommodation. Mixing closely with large groups of new people, sharing drinks, vapes, and living spaces, makes it much easier for the bacteria to spread. First-year university students face a risk roughly seven times higher than others their age. This age group missed out on the routine MenB vaccine as babies, which was only introduced for children born from July 2015 onwards. While most teenagers receive the MenACWY jab at school around age 13 or 14, that vaccine only covers four strains of the disease and gives zero protection against group B bacteria. The temporary NHS programme was launched in July 2026 following serious MenB outbreaks among students earlier this year. Meningococcal group B bacteria cause the vast majority of meningitis cases in young people and can trigger life-threatening meningitis or sepsis within hours. What else is important to know? - Two doses are essential - Other eligible groups - How to get it A single jab is not enough. You need two doses spaced at least four weeks apart to build full immunity. Getting your first dose before the end of December ensures you have enough time to receive your second dose before the scheme closes completely on March 31, 2027. Anyone under 25 (born on or after July 21, 2001) who started university or moved into residential further education halls for the first time this autumn is also eligible for the free jab. You can book an appointment online via the NHS MenB Booking Service, call 119 for free, or visit a participating walk-in pharmacy without needing to be registered with a GP. Because no vaccine prevents every strain of meningitis, health officials still urge young people to watch for symptoms such as a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or a blotchy rash. Seek urgent medical help if concerned.