Meningococcal (Men B) Disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by invasive infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis also known as meningococci. There are 12 serogroups of meningococci, however, most of the Meningococcal disease cases reported by serogroup in Scotland are group B.
Vaccination Against Meningococcal (Men B) Disease
The incidence of meningococcal disease is highest in infants under one year of age and declines in subsequent years. There is a smaller secondary peak in incidence in 15 to 19 year-olds.
The routine infant MenB vaccination programme aims to protect those at increased risk of disease.
The recent outbreak of meningitis, caused by group B Meningococcal bacteria, reported in Kent, was the largest of its kind ever seen in the UK. In this context, Ministers have decided to make available a time-limited offer of MenB vaccination for S6 school leavers and others aged less than 25 entering Higher Education and Residential Further Education entry, for the first time in 2026/27.
Learning Resources: Urgent Time-Limited Offer of Men B Vaccination 2026
You will now be aware of the press releases on 12/6/26 from both the UK, and Scottish Government Protection young people against MenB. 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.
COMING SOON
Learning Resource for Vaccinators
To help support practitioners to gain the knowledge they require to safely and effectively deliver the urgent, time limited offer of Meningococcal B (MenB) Vaccination in 2026. On completion of this resource, you should be able to:
List the most common types of meningococci in the UK and their relationship in causing invasive meningococcal disease
Describe the aetiology and epidemiology of meningococcal serogroup B disease
Explain the importance of the MenB vaccine in Scotland, using evidence-based information and identify those eligible as part of this offer
Describe the correct handling and administration of the Men B vaccine
Identify sources of additional information and resources
Sway: Urgent and Time Limited Offer of Meningococcal B Vaccination for S6 school leavers and others aged less than 25 entering Higher Education and Residential Further Education entry, for the first time in 2026/27
Learning Resource for all Practitioners
Webinar: Wednesday 24th June 11:30-12:30: To help support practitioners in their role around informed consent, awareness, and promotion of the MenB Vaccination offer for S6 school leavers and those aged less than 25 years who will be attending Higher Education or residential Further Education for the first time in Academic year 2026/27.
This webinar is aimed at all those involved with this programme whether vaccinating or giving information. This will include Vaccinators, GPs, Practice Nurses, School nurses, Pharmacists and education colleagues.
To register to attend, scan the QR Code or click on this Webinar registration link
Links to further information for the adolescent programme
National Infant Routine Immunisation Schedule
Vaccination Against Meningococcal B Disease: learning resource to help support those involved directly with the delivery of the infant men B vaccination programme in Scotland
To help support practitioners to gain the knowledge they require to safely and effectively deliver the infant Meningococcal B vaccine as part of the National Routine Immunisation Schedule. On completion of this resource, you should be able to:
List the most common types of meningococci in the UK and their relationship in causing invasive meningococcal disease
Describe the aetiology and epidemiology of meningococcal serogroup B disease
Explain the importance of the meningococcal B vaccine in Scotland, using evidence-based information
Describe the healthcare practitioners' role in supporting the implementation of meningococcal B immunisation programme
Identify sources of additional information and resources
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Presentation Vaccination Against Meningococcal B Disease for Infants
Sources of further information for the Infant programme