Thousands of young people urged to book lifesaving MenB vaccine before starting university or college

Thousands of young people across Northern Ireland are being urged to book a free MenB vaccination from this week, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) launches a programme aimed at protecting those most at risk before they start university or residential college this autumn.

The vaccination programme opens on Thursday 31 July and will be available through GP practices and participating community pharmacies.

Health officials say the vaccine could help prevent life-threatening meningococcal B (MenB) infections, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) and, in some cases, prove fatal.

Who is eligible?

The PHA said the free vaccine is available to:

• People born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008

• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time this autumn, including international students

• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting certain residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn, including international students

Two doses of the vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, are needed to provide the maximum possible protection.

Higher risk for first-year students

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, warned that meningococcal B infection can have devastating consequences.

“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 also encouraged everyone eligible to take up the offer.

“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.”

Protection before autumn

Rachel Spiers said starting the vaccination course now will allow eligible students to receive both doses before leaving home.

“While heading off to university or college is an exciting time, the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people, often in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.

“So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your MenB jabs – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to help protect yourself before starting university.

“Starting your vaccination course now gives eligible young people enough time to have the two doses required before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.

“Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows around a 75% reduction in meningitis cases among eligible vaccinated groups.

“It is also important that students, staff and families remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it.”

Know the symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis can develop suddenly and may include:

• High temperature (fever)

• Vomiting

• Severe headache

• A blotchy rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (this does not always appear)

• Stiff neck

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Drowsiness or difficulty waking

• Seizures (fits)

Anyone who suspects they or someone else may have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis should call 999 immediately or go to their nearest emergency department.

Health professionals stress that people can become seriously ill very quickly, and treatment should not be delayed while waiting for every symptom to appear.

What parents and students should know

The MenB vaccine has been part of Northern Ireland’s routine childhood immunisation programme since 2015, but the PHA is reminding families to check children’s vaccination records if they are unsure whether all doses were received. Anyone who has missed a childhood vaccination should contact their GP practice to arrange a catch-up appointment.

The PHA also reminds students that the separate MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, remains available through GP practices for eligible first-time university students aged 25 and under who have not already received it.

Eligible young people can book their MenB vaccination from 31 July through their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy. Further information on eligibility, participating pharmacies and vaccination locations is available via the NI Direct website.