GPs and community pharmacies across Northern Ireland will offer the free two-dose MenB vaccine to eligible teenagers and first-time students from 31 July, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.

The programme is aimed at 17 and 18 year olds, as well as people under 25 starting university or certain residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn. Two doses given at least four weeks apart are required for the best possible protection.

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."

Eligibility in Northern Ireland includes:

- All people born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008

- People born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn (including international students)

- People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn (including international students)

Those eligible can get vaccinated from 31 July at their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy. It is important to receive two doses 28 days apart to achieve the required protection. 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."

Rachel continued: "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."

Symptoms can come on quickly and may include:

- A high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)

- Being sick

- A headache

- A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)

- A stiff neck

- A dislike of bright lights

- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness

- Seizures (fits)

These signs can appear in any order and not all may be present. Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you suspect meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis. Do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to appear, as people can become seriously unwell very quickly.

More information on eligibility and where to get vaccinated is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/menb-vaccine.