Information on Meningitis and Septicaemia
MenB Info ScotlandMeningitis and septicaemia are serious life threatening illnesses, which can often happen together. While the risk to students and staff is low, individuals should remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they become unwell.
Look out for others. Is your flatmate feeling ill? Meningitis / Septicaemia can kill in hours - know the signs so you can rule them out.
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.
Get your vaccination as soon as possible
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.
To access the vaccine early before you arrive you can 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
International undergraduate students traveling to Scotland to study
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 the NHS vaccination website.
More information on MenB
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 on0300 790 6296. The helpline is open Monday – Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs / symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Do NOT wait for a rash to appear before getting help.
- fever
- vomiting
- severe headache and feeling unwell
- limb pain
- pale or mottled skin
- cold hands and feet
- neck stiffness
- dislike of bright lights
- irritability or confusion
- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
- joint or muscle pain
- breathing fast and fits
- rash that does not disappear with a glass (septicaemia)
If you have any symptoms of illness you are worried about, you should contact NHS 24 by dialling 111 or consult your local GP.
Information on Registering with a Doctor (General Practitioner) in Scotland
