Young people in Wales will be offered the Men B (meningococcal B) vaccination for the first time from autumn, as part of a time-limited public health programme.

The move is being introduced as a precaution following an unprecedented outbreak of Men B, primarily among University of Kent students in March, and other recent unseasonal clusters elsewhere in the UK.

Men B is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the UK and can lead to meningitis and sepsis, both of which can be life-threatening.

Health officials say young people are at higher risk of contracting the infection, particularly in higher education settings where close social mixing increases transmission risk.

The rollout will run from July to December 2026 and will be available to all those currently aged 17–18 (born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008), as well as 18–25-year-olds entering higher education or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026, including international students.

The vaccine will be delivered as a two-dose programme. Those aged 17–18 will receive an invitation letter from their health board from July 6 with details on how to book their vaccination.

Those aged 18–25 entering higher or residential further education for the first time this autumn, including international students, will need to contact their health board after July 20 for further information.

Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, said: "Meningococcal B is a rare but extremely serious disease that can progress quickly and devastate young lives. Following recent outbreaks across the UK, the Welsh Government has acted decisively to ensure that young people in Wales will be offered this additional protection and I urge everyone who is eligible to take up their vaccination offer."

Wales' Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: "This is a safe and effective vaccine that will offer important protection to those who receive it. With the new academic year approaching, it is vital that eligible young people come forward for both doses as soon as the programme opens. I encourage all those who qualify to act promptly."

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales said: “Young people heading to university for the first time are at an elevated risk of Meningitis B, as they mix with new groups of people while enjoying their new environment. Having two doses of this vaccination, ideally before they depart for university, will give them the best protection against this infection, which can cause such serious illness.”