Vaccination Information
Protect yourself against MenB when you start university
Following recent outbreaks in the UK, a short-term Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme is launching in July 2026. As a new student to university it would be important to make sure you are protected from contracting as Meningitis B is life-threatening and spreads rapidly in shared student environments.
All undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting study for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students are eligible to get the vaccine.
Full protection requires two doses and building immunity takes time. As the whole process takes about 6 weeks from start to finish, it is important to get your doses as early as possible, ideally before the autumn term begins. So, if you can please try to get your first dose before you arrive. If you cannot access the vaccine before you start you can do this once you arrive at a local drop-in clinic.
How you get your vaccine depends on where you are living over the summer months you can find out more about accessing the vaccine in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Ideally, you should try to get the MenB vaccine in your home country before travelling. However, if it is not available or is too expensive, you can get it for free as soon as you arrive in Scotland. Clinic arrangements will be available on our vaccination website
For more information on the MenB vaccination programme for young people including symptoms of MenB, please visit NHS Inform.
Have questions or need assistance?
Please call the NHS Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Helpline on 0300 790 6296. The helpline is open Monday – Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
