Young Fifers have been urged to take up the offer of meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination ahead of the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

This time-limited programme will protect against MenB disease through a combination of scheduled appointments and convenient open access clinics.

It was announced by the Scottish Government, UK Government and Welsh Government earlier this month, following recent meningitis outbreaks in the UK - and aims to protect those at higher risk of infection young people preparing to start university or college, where close contact and shared living arrangements can increase the risk of meningococcal disease.

MenB is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia - blood poisoning. Although rare, it can develop quickly and lead to life-changing complications, including hearing loss, brain injury and limb loss.

Keir (seated) and Aidan (standing), from West Fife were some of the first young people in Fife to receive the new MenB vaccine. They were given the vaccine by Staff Nurse, Kirsteen, after attending a clinic at Primrose Lane Medical Practice in Rosyth (Pic: Submitted)

placeholder image — Keir (seated) and Aidan (standing), from West Fife were some of the first young people in Fife to receive the new MenB vaccine. They were given the vaccine by Staff Nurse, Kirsteen, after attending a clinic at Primrose Lane Medical Practice in Rosyth (Pic: Submitted)

Eligible groups include young people born between March 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009, and anyone who was in S6 during the 2025/26 academic year.

It also covers undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 starting for the first time in the 2026/27 academic year, and college entrants under 25 who will be living away from home in shared student accommodation for the first time.

Letters will be sent to those eligible, but NHS Fife is also offering a range of open access clinics, allowing people to attend at a time and location that suits them without needing to arrange another appointment.

The programme requires two doses of vaccine, given at least four weeks apart. Where possible, both doses should be completed before starting university or college. First doses will be offered until December 31 with the second available until March 31.

Karen Nolan, clinical services manager for the immunisation programme in Fife, said: "Meningococcal disease can be devastating for individuals and families, which is why we are encouraging all eligible young people in Fife to come forward for vaccination.

"Many young people will already have received the MenACWY vaccine at school, but that does not protect against MenB. This programme provides important additional protection at a time when many young people are preparing to move into higher education, shared accommodation or new social environments.

"We've made accessing the vaccine as easy as possible through a combination of booked appointments and open access clinics across Fife. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer.”

More information at www.nhsfife.org/menb