NHS Forth Valley is encouraging eligible young people to protect themselves against potentially life-threatening meningococcal disease as it launches new MenB vaccination drop-in clinics across the area.

Following recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK, the MenB vaccine is being offered as part of a time- limited programme to some older teenagers and new students who are at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.

The call comes ahead of the new academic year as increased social mixing and shared student accommodation can raise the risk of infection.

The following young people are eligible for the MenB vaccine:-

• 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 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

Dates and times of drop-in clinics, which are being held at local vaccination centres based at Falkirk Community Hospital, Stirling Health and Care Village and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, can be found on the NHS Forth Valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com/MenB

Meningococcal group B disease is rare but can have devastating consequences. It can cause meningitis, which can 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.

NHS Forth Valley Service Manager for Immunisation Fiona Coan explained: “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.”

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.