Health officials have urged young people to take up a free vaccine which could protect them against meningitis (MenB) before they go to university or college. On Tuesday, the Public Health Agency (PHA) confirmed an urgent rollout of the two-dose vaccination will begin in GP practices and some community pharmacies in Northern Ireland from 31 July.
It follows concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak at a university in England earlier this year, in which two people died. The PHA's Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations, Rachel Spiers, said MenB is rare but the consequences are "very serious and potentially fatal".
"What I would say to students is that when you're preparing to go to university, put this on your checklist along with getting your laptop, getting your textbooks and booking your accommodation," she said.
MenB is a serious bacterial infection which can cause illnesses like meningitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord - or blood poisoning (sepsis). It can lead to life-changing disabilities, including hearing loss, brain damage or amputations.
Who can get the vaccine?
The two-dose jab is being offered to anyone born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008 - or pupils who have just finished Year 14.
It's also being offered to anyone under the age of 25, those who were born on or after 21 July 2001 and are starting university or a further education college for the first time in September. This also includes international students.
Spiers said this group was being targeted as they are "seven times more likely to be at risk" from MenB as they will be "mixing with large groups of new people for the first time".
"Whenever students are going out socialising, enjoying themselves and taking part in social activities, that might put them at higher risk of MenB," she added.
The rollout is similar to those in England, Scotland and Wales following the deaths of two young people - a university student and a sixth form pupil - from an outbreak in Kent.
"We don't want to see this happen to any of our young people in Northern Ireland which is why we're rolling out the vaccination programme," Spiers said.
"That's why it's really important and we're really encouraging everybody to come forward to be vaccinated because two doses of the MenB vaccine is the best way to possibly protect yourself."
Where can I get the MenB vaccine?
Anyone eligible for the vaccines can get them from their GP practice or a community pharmacy. Most of the pharmacies participating are located near a Higher Education institution, external.
Depending on your age, the GP may invite you to avail of the vaccines. After the first dose, patients will be given a record card which should be brought to the second appointment about four weeks later.
Students queued outside Kent University back in March after a fatal outbreak
The PHA have said that proof of eligibility, like an ID to show your date of birth, must be brought for your appointment. A confirmation of an offer or a place at either university or a college for the academic year 2026/2027 must also be shown. This can be either a letter or a screenshot/e-mail from the institution, Ucas or CAO in the Republic of Ireland.
The name of the university or college
The course code and/or the title of the course
Confirmation of the offer of a place - either conditional or unconditional
What MenB symptoms should I look out for?
Spiers said that while some symptoms of MenB can be similar to a hangover or a bad flu, it's important to get them checked.
Rash that doesn't disappear under a glass
"If you're worried about any of the signs and symptoms or if you feel like you have it, don't delay."
"Don't just wait for the rash, get medical help immediately.
"If you're going out to university, look out for your friends as well and if they're unwell, do keep an eye on them and seek medical help if you need it."
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