Starting this July, Scotland is rolling out a targeted Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme to protect young people against meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). The risk of these serious infections spikes when young people begin mixing in new, crowded environments — particularly in shared student accommodation.
To ensure you are fully protected before the new academic year, health officials strongly recommend getting both doses of the vaccine as soon as possible.
Who is eligible?
You can get the free MenB vaccine if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You were born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009.
- You were in S6 during the 2025–2026 academic year.
- You are under 25 and starting your first undergraduate university course in the 2026–2027 academic year (including international students).
- You are under 25, starting your first college course in 2026–2027, and living in shared student accommodation.
What you need to know
- Two doses are essential: You need two doses for full immunity, spaced at least 28 days (4 weeks) apart. It takes about two weeks after the second dose for your body to build a strong level of protection.
- Time-limited offer: First doses will only be offered until 31 December 2026, and second doses until 31 March 2027.
- Already had the MenACWY vaccine? You should still get this one. The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against group B bacteria, which is now the most common cause of meningococcal disease in Scotland.
How to get your vaccine
Each Scottish health board runs their vaccine programme differently. This is so they can deliver vaccines in the way that best suits local communities. Information about how you can get the MenB vaccine is available directly from your local health board.
To find your local health board’s instructions, how to contact the vaccination service and learn more about the vaccine, visit:
NHS Inform: MenB Vaccine for Young People