Please check this webpage for further MenB vaccination updates
Protecting young people against MenB
Targeted programme ahead of further and higher education terms.
Thousands of young people in Scotland are to be offered free vaccination against meningococcal B disease (MenB) ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and/or septicaemia, is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases.
The transition to university or college – particularly into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for the disease, as close contact with large numbers of new people increases the risk of it spreading.
The programme will start in July 2026 and two doses are essential for full protection.
It is open to:
young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
- undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
- college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:
"Protecting the health of young people in Scotland is an absolute priority. We know that starting university or college – especially moving into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for this disease, and we are acting now, ahead of the new academic year, following recent outbreaks.
"The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record and the evidence is clear that it works. I want every eligible young person in Scotland to come forward for both doses and take this important step to protect their health as they begin what is for many of them an exciting new chapter in their lives."
Scotland’sChief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith said:
"MenB can spread rapidly in shared living environments and can lead to serious disease.
“This targeted programme offers strong protection to those most at risk, and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer, especially if you are heading to university or college for the first time."
Further updates will provide more detail on how eligible people can take up the offer.
Background
The Scottish Government has been working with Public Health Scotland, NHS Immunisation Services, universities, colleges and student representative bodies to support delivery of the programme.
Individuals must be aged under 25 on 31 December 2026 and only need to meet one of the criteria to be eligible for vaccination.
Where possible, both doses should be completed before starting at university or college
The MenB vaccine is already offered to infants, and the MenACWY vaccine to adolescents and young adults, free on the NHS
This programme aligns with similar approaches being developed across the UK’s four nations.
Please visit http://www.nhsinform/menb-youngpeople for updates.
Public Health Scotland web release 12/6/26
MenB vaccine to be offered to eligible young people this summer
Following recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK, the Scottish Government has announced plans to offer a new programme of Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination for young people this summer.
This time-limited programme will be offered to some older teenagers and some new college and university students who are at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.
The MenB vaccine will be offered to:
young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
- undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
- college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.
The programme will start in July 2026 and two doses are essential for full protection.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with Scottish Government, NHS boards and wider partners across Scotland to develop plans for the roll-out of the MenB vaccine, which will help to protect those who are at higher risk of infection from this life-threatening disease.
Although many young people will already have received the separate MenACWY vaccine, they may still be at risk of meningitis and sepsis caused by other meningococcal bacteria, including group B. That’s why it’s important to take up the offer of the MenB vaccine, which will provide increased protection against meningococcal disease.
Further information on the roll-out of the programme will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Please continue to check NHS inform for the latest updates.
Dr Daniel Chandler, Consultant in Public Health at PHS, said:
“Meningitis and meningococcal sepsis can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly. Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease.
“Public Health Scotland welcomes MenB vaccination being offered to young people who are at highest risk. We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer.”
Further information
More information about the MenB vaccination programme for young people can be found on NHS inform at www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople. This page will be updated regularly.
More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at www.nhsinform.scot/meningitis
Vaccines offer the best protection against meningococcal disease. For information on how to check your own or your child's vaccination history, please visit: Getting your vaccinations | NHS inform
All students, including those who have moved to Scotland from overseas, are encouraged to make sure they are up to date with vaccinations offered for free by NHS Scotland. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out more.
PHS carefully monitors meningococcal disease in Scotland on an ongoing basis. Data on meningococcal disease in Scotland is available in our latest quarterly report .
Read our recent news story highlighting the publication of our Vaccination and Immunisation annual report for 2025, providing insights, analysis and intelligence from Scotland’s largest coordinated public health programme.
Useful contacts:
http://www.nhsinform/menb-youngpeople
Getting your vaccinations | NHS inform
www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents
Kent meningitis outbreak: March 2026 – UK Health Security Agency
Who is eligible for the new one-off MenB vaccine programme? – UK Health Security Agency
Meningitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments | Meningitis Now
National vaccination helpline: 0800 030 8013. Open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday and bank holidays.
NH24 helpline: 0800 22 44 88 open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.