Protecting young people against MenB

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’s Chief 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.

All key information will be published on NHS Inform