Meningitis B: NI to offer young people vaccine from 31 July

One reason why students are most at risk from meningitis is because when they go to university, they come into close contact with lots of people they have never met before.

They mix in large numbers at close quarters, while sharing kitchens, accommodation and going on nights out.

However, UK health experts have now called for all teenagers from the age of 15 to be given the free MenB vaccine during this one-off campaign.

The government had previously said following the Kent outbreak, when there was a rush to get the vaccine privately for teenagers, there was no need.

However, the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), has now changed in recognition of teenagers being more likely to catch it and become ill.

In a statement to BBC News NI, the Department of Health said officials are now working to “determine if this can be rolled out in Northern Ireland”.

“The minister will consider the recent recommendations and make a policy decision in due course,” it added.