Young people across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being encouraged to get their first MenB vaccine as soon as possible to ensure they can receive maximum protection before starting university or college this autumn.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s public health team is highlighting the importance of completing the full two-dose MenB vaccination course ahead of the new academic year, when increased social mixing during Freshers’ Week and life in shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and sepsis.
These serious conditions can develop rapidly and, in some cases, be life-threatening or result in long-term health complications.
As the vaccine requires two doses given at least 28 days apart, eligible students and school leavers are being urged not to delay getting their first dose. Maximum protection is achieved 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.
The campaign follows recent outbreaks of meningococcal disease in the UK.
Within Greater Glasgow and Clyde, eligible young people can attend any drop-in clinic without an appointment.
They do not need to be a student at the university hosting the clinic. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can simply turn up and be vaccinated.
Drop-in vaccination clinics are currently being held:
- Mondays and Tuesdays – University of Strathclyde (Chaplaincy at Graham Hills Building) and Glasgow Caledonian University (Teaching Block), both 8.45am to 7.15pm.
- Wednesdays and Thursdays – University of Glasgow (Level 3, Fraser Building) and the Piazza Shopping Centre, Paisley, both 8.45am to 7.15pm.
Additional drop-in clinics are planned in August at Clydebank Health and Care Centre, Port Glasgow Health Centre, Eastwood Health Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Greater Easterhouse Supporting Hands, Kirkintilloch Town Hall, Renfrew North Parish Church, and The Whiteinch Centre.
More information about these can be found here: General Vaccinations – NHSGGC
The vaccine 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 university for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
- College entrants under 25 starting college for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students
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 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, 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.
“We’ve made it as easy as possible to get vaccinated through a network of walk-in clinics across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. You don’t need an appointment, and you don’t need to be a student at the university venues being used for these clinics – if you’re eligible, you can simply come along and get vaccinated.”
For more information, to check eligibility and view the full clinic schedule in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, visit: General Vaccinations – NHSGGC
