IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MENINGITIS B (MENB) VACCINATION FROM NHS LOTHIAN
You might have heard about recent cases of Meningitis B (MenB) in parts of the UK. Because of this, plans are being put in place to offer the MenB vaccine to young people.
Your child can get the MenB vaccine if any of the following applies to them:
- They were born between 01 March 2008 and 28 February 2009
- They were in S6 during the 2025-2026 academic year
- They are under the age of 25 and starting their first undergraduate university course in the 2026-2027 academic year
- They are under the age of 25, starting their first college course in the 2026-2027 academic year, and living in shared student accommodation
To make sure your child does not miss out, check the NHS Lothian website for the latest updates and clinic information and locations
Visit nhslothian.scot/vaccinations and click on MenB.
About the MenB vaccine
- The MenB vaccine is given in two doses.
- You need both doses for the best protection.
- It takes about 2 weeks from the second dose for your body to build full protection.
That is why it is important to start the vaccination course early and to come back for the second dose.
How the vaccine helps
The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal B bacteria, which can cause:
- meningitis (an infection around the brain and spinal cord)
- sepsis (a serious blood infection)
These are serious illnesses that can cause long-term health issues. In severe cases, they can be life threatening. The best way to be protected is to get vaccinated.