Still time to get the MenB vaccine before new term starts!

NHS Western Isles is encouraging eligible young people to take advantage of the free MenB vaccine at a local drop-in clinic before starting university or college. Older teenagers and students under the age of 25 are at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal group B bacteria, making vaccination especially important at this stage of life.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis. Both conditions can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. The bacteria can spread through close contact with someone who carries it in the back of their throat, including through living in the same household, kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine provide protection against the most common strains of meningococcal group B bacteria circulating in the UK.  If you're eligible for the MenB vaccine, don't miss the opportunity to protect yourself against serious illnesses such as meningitis and sepsis.

You may be eligible for the MenB vaccine if you can answer yes to any of the following questions:

• Were you born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009?
• Were you in S6 during the 2025 to 2026 academic year?
• Are you under 25 and starting your first undergraduate university course in the 2026 to 2027 academic year (including international students)?
• Are you under 25, starting your first college course in the 2026 to 2027 academic year, and living in shared student accommodation (including international students)?

NHS Western Isles Health Protection and Screening Nurse Specialist, Isabell Macinnes, said: “The best way to protect yourself against meningococcal diseases is to get vaccinated. There must be a minimum interval of 28 days between the first and second doses and anyone who leaves the Western Isles before our second-dose clinics can receive their second dose at another vaccination service in Scotland."

She added: “Full protection is not achieved until two weeks after the second dose, so it is important that everyone receives both vaccinations.”

The drop-in clinics are as follows:

LEWIS

Vax Centre, Western Isles Hospital

• Mon 7th Sept 9am-4pm
• Tues 8th Sept 9am-4pm
• Wed 9th Sept 9am-4pm
• Thur 10th Sept 9am-4pm
• Fri 11th Sept 9am-4pm
• Sat 19th Sept 9am-4pm

UHI – Stornoway Campus

• Tues 15th Sept 12noon-3pm

HARRIS CLINICS

Harris Hub, Tarbert

• Tues 8th Sept 10am-4pm

UIST CLINICS

Uist & Barra Hospital

• Sat 5th Sept 9am-4pm

Daliburgh Branch Surgery

• Fri 11th Sept 9am-4pm

For more information and to find out if you or someone you know is eligible for the vaccine visit: nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople