Jessica Lawrence

Northern Ireland will begin offering the Meningitis B vaccine to at‑risk young people and first‑year university students from 31 July following a fatal outbreak in England. Eligibility includes Year 14 pupils, under‑25s starting higher education for the first time, and students moving into university accommodation. The two‑dose programme runs through March 2027 to ensure coverage for late arrivals and international students. Health experts now recommend vaccinating all teenagers due to increased risk, and officials are assessing whether the expanded advice can be implemented in Northern Ireland. Distribution will use GPs, pharmacies and campus clinics.

Northern Ireland will begin offering Meningitis B vaccinations to young people starting 31 July, following fatal cases in England earlier in the year. Eligible groups include Year 14 pupils, under-25s entering university for the first time, and students living in halls, with two doses given about 28 days apart. UK health experts now recommend vaccinating all teenagers from age 15, and Northern Ireland officials are assessing whether to expand eligibility accordingly. The Department of Health plans a mixed delivery model using GPs, pharmacies and campus clinics, with first doses available through the end of 2026 and second doses until March 2027.