NHS Forth Valley is encouraging eligible young people to protect themselves against meningococcal disease by launching new MenB vaccination drop-in clinics across the area. The initiative follows recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK and targets older teenagers and new students at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.
Who Is Eligible for the MenB Vaccine?
The following young people are eligible for the MenB vaccine:
- Young people born between March 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans.
- Undergraduate university students under the age of 25 who are starting their first undergraduate university course in the 2026-27 academic year.
- College students under the age of 25 starting their first college course in the 2026-2027 academic year and living in shared student accommodation.
Drop-In Clinic Details
Dates and times of drop-in clinics are available on the NHS Forth Valley website. The clinics are held at local vaccination centres based at Falkirk Community Hospital, Stirling Health and Care Village, and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre.
Why Vaccination Is Critical
Meningococcal group B disease is rare but can have devastating consequences. It can cause meningitis, which may result in permanent damage to the brain and spinal cord, and sepsis, a serious and life-threatening reaction to infection that requires urgent hospital treatment. 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.
Official Statement
NHS Forth Valley Service Manager for Immunisation Fiona Coan said: “All young people who are eligible are encouraged to attend a local drop-in vaccination clinic as soon as possible as two doses of the vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, are required to provide full protection. Eligible students who are due to attend college or university in Forth Valley after the summer but are currently living in another part of the country, should arrange to get the MenB vaccine in their local health board area to ensure they have the best possible protection before starting university or college.”
How to Get Vaccinated Elsewhere
Details of how to get the MenB vaccine in other NHS Board areas can be found on the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people page on the NHS Inform website.
