Are you eligible for the free MenB vaccination?

From July 2026, NHS Lothian is offering free Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine to young people who are at increased risk of infection. 

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, a leading cause of meningitis (inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcal sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection.

Am I eligible?

You can receive the MenB vaccine if you answer yes to any of the following:

• You are under 25 years old, starting your first college course in the 2026–2027 academic year, and will be living in shared student accommodation (including international students).
• You were born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009.
• You were in S6 during the 2025–2026 academic year.
• You are under 25 years old and starting your first undergraduate university course in the 2026–2027 academic year (including international students).

Edinburgh Vaccination Clinics

Ocean Terminal

Upper Level, Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ

Clinics begin: Monday 6 July 2026

Opening hours: Sundays and Mondays, 8:30am–5:00pm

No appointment required – this is a drop-in clinic.

Waverley Mall

Upper Level, Waverley Mall Shopping Centre 3/48 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1BQ

Clinics begin: Tuesday 7 July 2026

Opening hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:30am–5:00pm

No appointment required – this is a drop-in clinic.

What to Expect at Your Vaccination

When you arrive, the NHS team will ask a few quick questions to confirm your eligibility.

You do not need to bring any documents with you. However, if you have something available, such as a college or university offer letter, bringing it along may help speed up the process, although it is not essential.

For more information about the MenB vaccine and eligibility, visit NHS Inform: Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people.