Get Your Flu Jab or COVID-19 Booster with Wellswood Pharmacy

FREE on the NHS if you are:


Flu Vaccine → Aged 65 or over (by 31 March 2026), pregnant, or have certain medical conditions.


COVID-19 Vaccine → Aged 75 or over or are immunosuppressed (6 months+).

Vaccinations start 1st October 2026

Online booking available now

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NHS MenB Vaccination Service

Two doses of the MenB vaccine give strong protection against meningitis and septicaemia — and, as a participating pharmacy, we're offering both doses right here. This service is free on the NHS for those who are eligible.

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A new, time-limited offer

What is this service?

This is a separate, one-off NHS programme — not the routine baby vaccination. It runs from 20 July 2026 to 31 March 2027 and was introduced after a sharp rise in MenB cases, including a fast-growing outbreak in Kent earlier this year. MenB accounts for around 83% of invasive meningococcal disease in England and disproportionately affects teenagers and young adults. The aim is to protect around 1 million eligible young people before the higher-risk autumn term begins.
Appointment by online or phone
Clinicians trained in immunisation
NHS-guideline vaccination protocol followed
Aftercare advice provided post-vaccination
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Check your eligibility

Who can get vaccinated

NHS Eligibility — one-off 2026 programme

A time-limited NHS programme is running ahead of the 2026/27 academic year, in response to recent MenB clusters affecting students. You qualify for a free NHS vaccination if you:

• Are in Year 13, born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 — regardless of your plans after school; or

• Are under 25 and starting university, or moving into eligible residential further education accommodation, for the first time in autumn 2026.

Postgraduates and returning/later-year students are not covered by this offer. First doses are available until 31 December 2026 and second doses until 31 March 2027 — but booking early gives the best chance of full protection before term starts.

Not eligible, or want to be vaccinated sooner?

We also offer MenB vaccination privately for anyone who falls outside the NHS criteria, or who prefers not to wait — ask our team for current pricing and availability.


Already had a MenB vaccine?

Let us know beforehand — your history may change the schedule we recommend. The two MenB vaccines used in the UK are Bexsero® and Trumenba®, and a course must be completed using the same product throughout.

• One dose of Trumenba® already: continue that course privately, or start a fresh NHS-funded Bexsero® course instead — we can talk through both options.

• One dose of Bexsero® already: you may only need one further NHS-funded dose, subject to eligibility and clinical assessment.

• Completed a full course (either vaccine) within the last 5 years: you're unlikely to need further NHS vaccination.

Vaccine & Dosing — Bexsero®

• The NHS programme uses Bexsero® (4CMenB), given as a course of 2 doses.

• Dose 2 must be given at least 4 weeks (28 days) after dose 1.

• Full protection builds for a further 2 weeks after dose 2 — allow about 6 weeks in total.

• Common side effects are mild: pain/redness at the injection site, tiredness or headache for a day or two.

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Portrait of a female smiling after getting a vaccine Woman holding down her shirt sleeve and showing her arm with bandage after receiving vaccination
Everything else, at a glance

Good to know before you're vaccinated

A few practical points to keep in mind — what to bring, what's safe, when to act, and what to watch for afterwards.

What to bring

Freshers and FE students: bring proof of your offer (.ac.uk email, UCAS screenshot, or offer letter). Year 13 patients are contacted directly by the NHS — no proof needed.

Safety

Bexsero® has been used in the UK's infant programme since 2015, with a well-established safety record. Mild side effects are possible. You'll be given full details and a patient information leaflet at your appointment

Timing

Cases tend to peak in October and November, as students move into shared accommodation. Full protection takes ~6 weeks, so complete both doses before you leave home.

Know the Signs

This vaccine doesn't protect against every strain of meningococcal bacteria, so it's still important to know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia — and to seek urgent medical help if you or someone you know seems seriously unwell, vaccinated or not.
Stay protected, book today

How to Book

Simply call or visit Wellswood Pharmacy to arrange your appointment — no referral needed. We'll confirm your eligibility, take you through the course, and book your second dose before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions or specific health concerns, contact the team before booking so we can advise and arrange
the appropriate appointment type.
Is this the same as the baby MenB vaccine?
No. This is a separate, one-off catch-up programme for Year 13 pupils and under-25s starting university or FE halls in autumn 2026, introduced because of a rise in cases. The baby vaccine has been part of the routine NHS schedule since 2015.
Is the vaccine free?
Yes, for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. It's provided free of charge as part of this NHS programme.
I've already had a MenB vaccine privately. Do I still need this?
If you've completed a full 2-dose course of Bexsero® or Trumenba® within the last 5 years, you don't need to be vaccinated again under this offer.
Can I get both doses at the same pharmacy?
Your second dose can be given at any pharmacy providing the service, not necessarily the one where you had your first dose — useful if you're moving for university between doses.
What if I miss the 31 December deadline for my first dose?
First doses can't be given after 31 December 2026 under this programme, so it's best to book as early as possible — ideally well before you leave for term.
Can I have the MenB vaccine alongside other vaccinations?
Speak to your pharmacist at your appointment — they'll check your medical history and advise on timing with any other vaccines.
What if I'm an international student?
You're still eligible if you're starting university or FE halls for the first time this autumn and meet the age criteria, even if you won't arrive in the UK until September.
Is MenB the same as MenACWY?
No — MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y; MenB protects against group B. Many students need both.
Can I book privately instead of waiting for an NHS slot?
Yes — private appointments are available if you're not eligible or want to be vaccinated sooner.