Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England

A million young people are being offered a free meningitis B vaccine.

It comes after concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year.

Nearly 90,000 doses of the vaccine have already been given, with 135,000 more booked in for the coming weeks.

So who needs the vaccine, what's in it and where can you get it for free?

The vaccine offers protection against a dangerous strain of meningitis called meningitis B (MenB) that caused the outbreak in Kent.

The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.

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.

Source: BBC News Health RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)