Key Summary
- MenB vaccination for students started today in Northern Ireland.
- PHA is urging thousands of young people to book.
- Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA highlighted that evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows around a 75% reduction in meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.
In Northern Ireland, the MenB vaccination drive for students starts today on 31 July.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging thousands of young people heading to university and further education colleges this autumn to book for the vaccine.
The vaccination doses will be administered through GP practices and participating community pharmacies, across Northern Ireland.
Eligibility Criteria
The time-limited jab is available to:
- All young people born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008.
- Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who is starting university for the first time this autumn (including international students).
- Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who is starting at a residential further education college for the first time this autumn.
Maximum protection requires two doses given at least four weeks (28 days) apart. Health officials advise starting the course immediately so students can complete both doses before heading to campus.
Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: “Meningococcal B infections can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain – meningitis – and septicaemia, which is blood poisoning. This can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage, and in some cases can prove fatal.
“The bacteria that cause MenB disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
“Students in their first year of university or college have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university. Sadly, we have seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year with the outbreak in Kent so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “MenB is a serious illness and can cause very serious health implications for those who come in contact with the illness. I would urge all those who are eligible to take up the offer of vaccination, which provides good direct protection and can help prevent serious harm caused by this disease.
“I would also ask that parents and guardians speak to their teenagers and young adults to encourage them to get vaccinated in order to help protect themselves.”
Spiers also highlighted that evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows around a 75% reduction in meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.
