Meningococcal B (MenB) Vaccination Programme 

Protect yourself against meningitis and sepsis 

A new time limited MenB vaccination programme is being offered to young people in Scotland to help protect against meningococcal group B disease — a rare but very serious illness. 

Meningococcal B bacteria can cause: 

• Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) 

• Sepsis (severe blood poisoning) 

These conditions can develop quickly and can lead to life-changing complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, or in some cases, death.  

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against this disease.  

Why is the MenB vaccine important? 

Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can become serious very quickly. 

• It can be life-threatening and may be fatal in around 1 in 10 cases  

• It often affects teenagers and young adults 

• Risk is higher when people are in close-contact settings, such as shared student accommodation  

• Recent UK outbreaks have led to this targeted vaccination programme to protect those most at risk 

Even if you’ve had the MenACWY vaccine at school, you are not protected against MenB, so it’s important to take up this offer.  

Who is eligible? 

In Scotland, the MenB vaccine is being offered to young people at higher risk. You are eligible if you meet any one of the following: 

• You were born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009 or were in S6 during the 2025/26 academic year regardless of future education plans. 

• You are under 25 and starting an undergraduate course at university for the first time in academic year 2026/27. This includes international students.  

• You are under 25 and starting college for the first time in academic year 2026-27, while living away from home in shared student accommodation. 

Individuals who turn 25 years of age between 06/07/2026 and 31/12/2026 are eligible.  

You only need to meet one of these criteria. 

To get the best protection, you will need 2 doses of the vaccine.  

When is this programme running?  

The programme will commence in Grampian on the 6th July 2026. This is a time-limited offer (with first doses offered until 31st December 2026 and second doses offered until 31st March 2027), to facilitate provision of two doses for everyone eligible. 

How to book your appointment 

NHS Grampian has put local arrangements in place to deliver this programme from Monday 6th July 2026.  

You will be able to access your vaccination by booking an appointment in one of the following vaccination centres. We would encourage you to book the earliest appointment that you can manage as you will need a second dose to be fully protected.  

Please click on the name of the centre you would like to book your appointment at. You will then be taken to an online booking page.   

Aberdeen City 

Aberdeen City Vaccination Centre – Bon Accord Centre (across from Costa Coffee), George Street,  Aberdeen, AB25 1HZ 

Aberdeenshire 

Macduff Vaccination Centre – 100 Duff Street, Macduff, AB44 1PR 

Fraserburgh Vaccination Centre – Fraserburgh Community Hospital, Lochpots Road, Fraserburgh, AB43 9NF 

Peterhead Vaccination Centre – Ugie Hospital, Ugie Road, Peterhead, AB42 1LZ 

Huntly Vaccination Centre – Via King George V entrance opposite Marketmuir Carpark, Jubilee Hospital, Huntly, AB54 8EX 

Garioch Vaccination Centre – Allan Ward, Inverurie Hospital, Upperboat Road, Inverurie, AB51 3UL 

Banchory Vaccination Centre Scolty Day Centre, Arbeadie Road,  Banchory, AB31 4FH 

Stonehaven Vaccination Centre – Low Wood Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2LJ 

Moray 

Moray Vaccination Centre – Beechbrae Education Centre,  Duffus Road, Elgin,  IV30 4NP 

 

Get protected before term starts 

If you’re heading to university or college, it’s important to get vaccinated before you start, when your risk of infection increases. 

You’ll need: 

• Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart 

• Time after your second dose for full protection to develop (2 weeks) 

Frequently asked questions  

We know you may have a number of questions in relation to this programme. We have provided responses to the frequently asked questions here 

Find out more 

For further information on MenB and meningitis symptoms, visit: Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people | NHS inform 

If you still have questions, please contact the team at gram.menb@nhs.scot