MenB Vaccination For Young People Programme

Posted on June 23rd, 2026

Meningococcal B (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.    

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.

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: https://www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople

Further information 

More information about the MenB vaccination programme for young people can be found on NHS inform at  https://www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople 

Vaccines offer the best protection against meningococcal disease. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/protecting-the-population-of-scotland-from-vaccine-preventable-diseases-vaccination-and-immunisation-report/protecting-the-population-of-scotland-from-vaccine-preventable-diseases-vaccination-and-immunisation-report-in-2025/

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 https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out more.