The Health Minister has announced a one-off Meningococcal B
(MenB) vaccination programme for adolescents in Northern Ireland,
in line with announcements across the UK.
It is anticipated that from mid-late July, a targeted
programme, aimed at protecting those who are considered to
be at the highest risk of Men-B, will be rolled out. Further
details on how the programme will be delivered will be announced
in due course.
The eligible cohorts include:
- All of the current school year 14 age group (i.e. those
currently aged 17-18 with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 to
1 July 2008); and
- Anyone, up to 25 years of age, who will be attending Higher
Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for
the first time in autumn 2026 (including international
students).
The announcement comes after multiple cases of invasive
meningococcal disease (IMD) were identified in South East England
earlier this year. The Men-B vaccination offers protection
against serious illness, such as IMD, meningitis and sepsis.
Everyone with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 to 1 July 2008
will be invited for vaccination, while those aged up to 25 years
of age attending Higher Education or a Residential Further
Education Institution for the first time in autumn
2026, will be encouraged to seek vaccination.
Health Minister said: MenB is a serious
illness and can cause serious health implications amongst young
people. The vaccination offers good protection and will help
prevent serious harm among those who are most vulnerable.
I strongly recommend those young people who are eligible to take
up the offer of a vaccination, particularly those planning to go
to Higher Education or a Residential Further
Education Institution for the first time this autumn. I also
would ask that parents and guardians speak with their teenagers
and young adults to encourage them to take up the offer of a
vaccination to help protect them from MenB.
It is expected that this programme will be introduced by mid to
late July to ensure those at highest risk from this disease have
the opportunity to be fully vaccinated before going to University
or other residential higher education for the first time.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: "As we
have seen in recent outbreaks elsewhere in the UK, MenB can have
a devastating and disruptive impact. Immunisation is one of the
most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious
disease. This vaccination programme will have significant public
health benefits for young people who receive the vaccine, and the
wider population. Put simply, if you are not vaccinated, you are
not protected.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health
Agency (PHA), said: We welcome this announcement and are working
with health service colleagues on the delivery of the programme
during the summer. I encourage everyone who is eligible to take
this opportunity to help protect themselves against this disease.
