Are you starting uni? What you need to know about the meningitis B vaccine in Scotland

Scotland’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Gregor Smith said: “MenB can spread rapidly in shared living environments and can lead to serious disease.

“This targeted programme offers strong protection to those most at risk, and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer, especially if you are heading to university or college for the first time.”

Dr Daniel Chandler, consultant at Public Health Scotland, said: “Meningitis and meningococcal sepsis can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly. 

“Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Protecting the health of young people in Scotland is an absolute priority.

“We know that starting university or college – especially moving into shared accommodation – is one of the highest-risk periods for this disease, and we are acting now, ahead of the new academic year, following recent outbreaks.

“The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record and the evidence is clear that it works.

“I want every eligible young person in Scotland to come forward for both doses and take this important step to protect their health as they begin what is, for many of them, an exciting new chapter in their lives.”