Vaccinations

Following recent outbreaks of meningitis in the UK, the Scottish Government has announced plans to offer a new programme of Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination for young people this summer.   

This time-limited programme will be offered to some older teenagers and some new college and university students who are at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria.    

The MenB vaccine will be offered to: 

• 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 entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students 
• college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students. 

The two-dose vaccination programme will commence on Monday 6 July 2026; it’s essential to get both doses for protection. Please arrive between the drop-in time slots and at least 15 minutes before the end. For example, between 9.10am - 12.10pm (last slot 11.55am) or 2pm and 4pm, but by 3.45pm, Monday - Friday. You can also phone or email to book an appointment, please contact the Vaccination Team on 01595 743319 or email shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot. You can also check NHS Inform for the Health Board where your university or college is located, this will then let you know how to book your vaccine if you will not be in Shetland. 

Drop-in clinics may be busy, but you will be seen as soon as possible. Patients who are registered at Hillswick, Unst, Yell and Whalsay health centres can contact their own practice or attend a drop-in clinic.

This is a time limited offer. It will not be possible to receive a first dose of the MenB vaccination, provided free by the NHS, anywhere in the UK after 31 December 2026.    

More information about the MenB vaccination programme for young people can be found on the NHS Inform website at www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople.