MenB vaccinations for young people
Following recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK, the MenB vaccine is being offered to some older teenagers and students under 25 who are at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.
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.
If you're eligible for the MenB vaccine, don’t miss your chance to protect yourself against serious diseases like meningitis and sepsis - contact us to arrange an appointment.
The vaccine is given in two doses - it’s essential to get both doses for full protection. The second dose must be received at least 28 days (4 weeks) after the first dose. First doses of the MenB vaccine will be offered until 31 December 2026. 2nd doses will be offered until 31 March 2027.
On this page
About meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is a rare but dangerous bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis. Both of these illnesses can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Meningococcal bacteria can spread through close contact with someone who has the bacteria in the back of their throat. This includes living in the same household, kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes with someone.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine will help to protect you against the most common strains of meningococcal group B bacteria in the UK.
Are you eligible?
You're eligible for the MenB vaccine for young people if you are:
- born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009
- or in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year
- or under the age of 25 and starting your first undergraduate university course in the 2026-27 academic year
- or under the age of 25, starting your first college course in the 2026-27 academic year, and living in shared student accommodation
Important: Meningitis vaccines for young people - NHS inform
The meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine offered to young people helps protect against meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal bacteria.
- Meningitis can cause long-term damage to the brain and spinal cord.
- Sepsis is inflammation throughout the body.
Find out more about the MenB vaccine for young people, including:
- who can get the MenB vaccine
- how to get the MenB vaccine
- side effects of the MenB vaccine
- about the MenB vaccine you’ll be offered
- information in other languages and formats
Important: Help by phone or email
Our Service Delivery Centre provides a centralised point of contact for the population of the NHS Highland area, co-ordinating vaccination appointments. The Service Delivery Centre can be contacted to:
book an appointment
rearrange an appointment
cancel an appointment (please let us know so we can offer a place to someone else)
provide assistance with general vaccination enquiries - for example, if you have a condition that means you need additional support at your appointment, we can make arrangements
When leaving a message by phone or email, please include your name and address (including postcode). One of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please do not send repeated voicemails and emails - we will attend to messages in order. This will help the team to get back to everyone quickly.
Call or email
email nhsh.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot
Please use this email address for enquiries whenever possible.
phone 0800 032 0339
Available:
Monday: 9:15am to 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
You can leave a voicemail outside these hours with details. The line is closed on public holidays.