NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging eligible students and young people to get protected against meningitis and sepsis by taking up the offer of a MenB vaccination during Freshers’ Week.
The call comes as thousands of students arrive in Glasgow to begin university and college life, with public health teams reminding young people that increased social mixing and living in shared accommodation can increase the risk of meningococcal disease spreading.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and sepsis. While rare, these illnesses can develop rapidly and may lead to serious, life-changing complications or even prove fatal.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is encouraging eligible young people to come forward as soon as possible, particularly those who have not yet received their first dose. The MenB vaccination programme requires two doses given at least 28 days apart, with full protection developing around two weeks after the second dose.
Meningococcal B bacteria spreads through close contact, including living in the same household, kissing, or sharing items such as drinks or vapes.
Drop-in vaccination clinics are operating throughout September at university campuses and community venues across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. No appointment is required, and young people do not need to be a student at the university hosting the clinic to attend. Eligible individuals can simply turn up and be vaccinated.
Drop-in clinics are taking place at:
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Teaching Block, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8.45am to 7.15pm, until 24 September.
- University of Strathclyde, Chaplaincy at Graham Hills Building, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8.45am to 7.15pm, until 24 September.
- University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8.45am to 7.15pm, until 24 September.
- Piazza Shopping Centre, Paisley, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8.45am to 7.15pm, throughout September.
Special vaccination sessions for international students will also be available at the final university clinics in September, offering eligible vaccinations including MenB, HPV, MenACWY and MMR.
Dr Emma Fletcher, Interim Deputy Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Starting university or college is an exciting time, with many young people meeting new friends and settling into student life.
“However, Freshers’ Week and shared accommodation can increase the risk of infections spreading through close contact. Meningococcal disease is rare but extremely serious, and it can progress very quickly.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself. If you are eligible and have not yet started your MenB vaccination course, I would strongly encourage you to come forward as soon as possible.
“We’ve made it easy to get vaccinated through a range of drop-in clinics across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. There is no appointment needed, and you do not have to attend the university where the clinic is based. If you’re eligible, simply come along and get protected.”
The vaccine is being offered to:
- Young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and others who were in S6 during the 2025/26 academic year.
- Undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting university for the first time in the 2026/27 academic year, including international students.
- College entrants under 25 who are starting college for the first time in the 2026/27 academic year while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.
For more information, to check eligibility and view the latest clinic schedule, visit the NHSGGC General Vaccinations page.
