Meningitis vaccinations
The Meningococcal B (MenB) and Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccines.
- The MenB vaccine is offered to all babies in Scotland, along with other routine vaccinations.
- The MenACWY vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 - around 14 years old.
- The MenB vaccine is also now offered to some young people under the age of 25 - those at the highest risk of infection.
These vaccines help protect against meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal bacteria.
- Meningitis can lead to deafness, blindness, epilepsy, learning difficulties and, in severe cases, death.
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that progresses very rapidly.
Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
On this page
Important: MenB vaccine for young people - summer 2026 drop-in clinics
We are offering drop-in clinics during summer 2026 for young people eligible for the MenB vaccine.
Find out if you're eligible and how to get vaccinatedImportant: MenB vaccine for children - at NHS inform
Read more at NHS inform about:
- Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
- Who can get the MenB vaccine
- Why your child should get the MenB vaccine
- How to get the MenB vaccine
- About the MenB vaccine your child will be offered
- Side effects of the MenB vaccine
- Translations of MenB vaccine information
Important: MenACWY vaccine for young people - at NHS inform
Read more at NHS inform about:
- Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine
- Who can get the MenACWY vaccine
- Why you should get the MenACWY vaccine
- How to get the MenACWY vaccine
- About the MenACWY vaccine you'll be offered
- Side effects of the MenACWY vaccine
- The MenACWY vaccine consent form
- MenACWY vaccine information in other languages and formats