Young people in Edinburgh and Lothians encouraged to take up Meningitis B vaccine offer as drop-in clinics open
The vaccine push comes after two young people died following an outbreak in Kent earlier this year
Young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to take up an offer of a Meningitis B vaccine as drop-in clinics open across the region.
The MenB vaccine is being offered to young people born between March 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009, as well as any others who were in their sixth year at high school during the 2025-26 academic year.
Other eligible groups include undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting their university studies in the 2026-27 intake and college students under the age of 35 who are beginning their studies in the 2026-27 academic year while living away from home in a shared student accommodation.
This also includes any international students in either category.
The vaccine push comes after an outbreak of meningitis in Kent earlier this year which saw two young people lose their lives.
The outbreak was believed to have started a nightclub in Canterbury, with a total of 21 cases reported focusing mainly on the main campus at the University of Kent.
According to the NHS, meningitis is an infection of the protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms include a high temperature, stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, a severe headache, seizures, vomiting, confusion, cold hands and feet, and a rash or spots which do not disappear when a glass is pressed against the skin.
If not treated quickly, it may be life-threatening and could develop other serious complications such as sepsis.
Young people, particularly first-year students living in close quarters and participating in social mixing, are at high risk of becoming ill from the meningococcal B bacteria.
Susan Webb, director of public health and health policy at NHS Lothian, said: “Following the recent outbreaks in the UK this year, we have been reminded of how rapidly this disease can cause serious and life-threatening illness. Looking ahead to young people starting university or college in the Autumn, it is vital that they have the best protection against meningitis B.
“We now have drop-in MenB vaccination clinics running across Edinburgh and the Lothians and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to protect themselves and their friends by ensuring they get two doses of the vaccine.”
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said: “Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease. The roll out of the MenB vaccination programme is an opportunity for all eligible young people to receive vital protection from such a serious and life-threatening disease.
“We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer, and to ensure both doses are received for full protection.”
Information on the location of crop-in clinic across Edinburgh and the Lothians can be found on the NHS Lothian website.