It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

High street pharmacies across England are now offering a free meningitis B vaccine for many young people. It comes after concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year. The vaccine offers protection against a dangerous strain of meningitits called meningitis B (MenB) that caused the outbreak in Kent. It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection. You may also get a mild fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches but these symptoms should disappear after one or two days. Bookings can be made at high street pharmacies across England from Monday 13 July, with the first appointments available from Monday 20 July. Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book via the NHS National Booking Service, external if they are already registered with a GP, external. Other students under the age of 25 who are heading to a residential college or university this autumn for the first time can also contact a participating pharmacy. You can get a walk-in MenB vaccine at a pharmacy if you were born on or after 21 July 2001, and for the first time this autumn you are: