Students warned of meningitis risk ahead of new academic year
A drop-in vaccination clinic is being held in Galashiels...
Last updated 15th Jul 2026
Young people in the Borders are being encouraged to get vaccinated against Meningitis before starting university or college this autumn.
It comes after two people died during an outbreak in Kent earlier this year.
A drop-in clinic is being held at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels between 3pm and 5pm this afternoon (Wednesday).
Doctor Rebecca Devine is a Public Health Consultant at NHS Borders.
"The message we want to get across is that university and college are a time of increased risk," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
"This is a one-off vaccination offer to this group of people in response to recent outbreaks in other parts of the UK.
"When young people from the Borders start college or university, they're often moving into shared accommodation for the first time. It's that period of meeting lots of new people and living together that can make it easier for meningococcal bacteria to spread."
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Meningococcal B bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis - serious conditions that can develop quickly and, in some cases, become life-threatening or lead to long-term health complications such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.
It can be carried in the back of the throat and spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing drinks, sharing vapes and prolonged contact with someone carrying the infection.
Dr Devine added: "Thankfully we've not had any large outbreaks of meningococcal B in young people in Scotland, and this programme is about trying to prevent that."
Who is eligible?
Eligible groups include young people born between March 1st, 2008 and February 28th, 2009; pupils who will be in S6 during the 2025/26 academic year; those under 25 starting their first year at university in 2026/27; and under-25s beginning their first year at college who will be living in shared accommodation.
Anyone born between March 1st, 2008 and February 28th, 2009 should already have received a letter explaining how to book an appointment. NHS Borders says letters are only being sent to this group.
Those eligible through any of the other categories should contact the vaccination service directly on 01896 809250 to arrange their appointments.
Dr Devine added: “The MenB vaccine has a strong safety record and the evidence is clear that it works. So, if you are eligible, please call our vaccination booking hub today to arrange your appointments. This will help keep you and others safe to enjoy this exciting new chapter in your life.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/