Tens of thousands of teenagers preparing to start university later this year can book a meningitis B vaccine on the NHS from today.

Health officials say 1 million young people in England are eligible for the one-off vaccine drive, which has been launched following a series of deadly outbreaks.

It is open to all 17 and 18-year-olds currently in the last year of sixth form and all students under the age of 25 who are heading to residential colleges or university this autumn for the first time.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection, with the doses spread at least 28 days apart.

Booking now gives students enough time to have both before they pack their bags for university or college and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.

Meningococcal B can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis (blood poisoning).

This can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage, and in some cases can prove fatal.

The bacteria that cause the disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person.

Students queue for the meningitis B vaccine at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, following a deadly outbreak earlier this year.

This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or living in halls of residence.

The vaccination programme was announced by the Government last month after a series of meningitis outbreaks, the most serious of which was in Kent and left two teenagers dead.

Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university.

Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book from today via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies.

Other eligible people can contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment, which start from next Monday, July 20.

Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows that vaccination has led to around a 75 per cent reduction in Meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.

Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, said: ‘Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.

‘So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.

Students receiving meningitis B vaccines and antibiotics from medical staff in the sports hall at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, following a deadly outbreak earlier this year.

‘We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.’

NHS England was last night unable to say how much the rollout would cost but people who do not qualify for the jab on the NHS can buy a full course of both injections privately from the likes of Boots for £220.

Assuming the NHS pays the same rate and all 1million eligible people take up the offer, it would suggest a total cost of £220million.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria.

‘Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.’

Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: ‘Too many of the people we support are left asking ‘what if?’ after MenB has changed their lives forever.

‘This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak.

‘Having supported thousands of people through the Kent outbreak and other recent clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults.

‘If you’re eligible, don’t delay – get to your local pharmacy, have both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.’

It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education today launch a School-Aged Vaccination Taskforce in a bid to improve uptake of jabs.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises ministers, is also looking at whether a bigger and longer programme is needed for young people.

Health Secretary James Murray said: ‘Vaccines save lives, which is why we’re offering the Meningitis B vaccine to around one million students as part of vital actions we’re taking to better protect young people.

‘We’re also launching our new Taskforce which will strengthen ties between the health and education sectors. We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK.

‘By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.’