Students and school leavers across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being urged to take up the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine this summer as part of a time-limited programme to protect those most at risk.
The call comes ahead of the new academic year, with a particular focus on young people preparing to start university or college, when increased social mixing and shared student accommodation can raise the risk of infection.
Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis, serious conditions that can develop rapidly and, in some cases, be life-threatening or lead to long-term health complications.
The bacteria spreads through close contact, including living in the same household, kissing, or sharing items such as drinks or vapes. Health experts are encouraging eligible students to be vaccinated before moving into shared accommodation.
The MenB vaccine is a two-dose vaccine and is being offered 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.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will begin rolling out the vaccine from July 2026, with a programme of drop-in clinics across the area to make access as easy as possible.
Initial clinics will take place at the Piazza Shopping Centre in Paisley, Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. The NHSGGC Mobile Vaccination Unit will also visit Notre Dame High School in Greenock and West College Scotland’s Clydebank campus, with additional locations to follow.
For the full schedule, students and parents are advised to check the NHSGGC website here: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/general-vaccinations/
Dr John O’Dowd, Interim Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“Starting university or college is an exciting milestone, but it can also increase exposure to infections due to close contact with new people and shared living spaces.
“Meningococcal is rare but extremely serious, and it can progress very quickly. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself.
“If you are eligible, I would strongly encourage you to take up the MenB vaccine as soon as possible, ideally before the start of term, to ensure you have the best possible protection.”
Eligible young people can attend any drop-in clinic without an appointment.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit NHS inform MenB information.
