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Important Information: MenB (Meningitis B) Vaccination for Students Starting Higher Education

Following recent cases of Meningococcal B (MenB) disease in England, the NHS is encouraging eligible young people to receive the free MenB vaccine before starting university or residential further education.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for a free NHS MenB vaccination if all of the following apply:

  • You are 17 to 25 years old.
  • You are starting university or residential further education for the first time this year.
  • You missed receiving the MenB vaccine as part of the routine infant immunisation programme.
  • You are entering an environment where you will be living or studying closely with other students, such as university halls of residence.

If you are eligible, please use the NHS booking service below to book your vaccination at a participating community pharmacy: Book your Meningitis B vaccine

Please note that MenB vaccinations for this programme are not provided by the GP practice.

Weight Loss Medication

The NHS is gradually making new weight loss medications (such as tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro) available to a small group of patients who meet strict national criteria.

If you feel that you meet the criteria below please book a routine appointment with a GP to discuss this.

Please also note that GP’s cannot prescribe this medication outside of national guidance and have no discretion to make exceptions.

Who is eligible?

At this stage, the medication is available only to patients who:

  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI)* over 40, and
  • At least four weight-related health conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease.

Tirzepatide medications (also called Mounjaro or a GLP-1 analogue) support people to achieve a healthier weight. Roll-out of the new medications is happening in a phased way to ensure fair and safe access across South West London** (SWL) and the rest of England.

This rollout is happening in phases to ensure fair and safe access across South West London and the rest of the country. Eligibility will be reviewed annually, and any updates will be published here: www.southwestlondon.icb.nhs.uk/weight-loss-meds

Other support available now:

There are a range of local weight management services across SWL, including:

  • Local weight loss groups
  • Healthy eating support
  • Physical activity programmes.

You can explore these options via the same webpage above.

Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of serious illness, and we encourage everyone to access the support already available.

Thank you for your understanding,