Derry V University of Ulster Jordanstown.
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Those taking the vaccine will get protection against meningitis and septicaemia caused by four meningococcal strains including MenW.
For more information speak to your GP.
GP practices will be inviting people to get the vaccine.
The vaccine will also be available to older students aged 19 to 25 who are starting university this year.
The quartet-World Health Organisation, Doctors Without Borders, United Nations Children’s Fund and worldwide Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, all of which make up the global Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control – ICG-says Africa could be at a risk of large meningitis outbreak worsened by an acute shortage of meningitis C vaccine.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton added: “Even if you have recently had the meningococcal C vaccine, for example in school, you should still get the Men ACWY vaccine”.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation announced the vaccination programme in June because cases of “MenW” had increased from 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014.
Lincolnshire teenagers are being urged to visit their local surgeries for a vaccination to help protect against a deadly strain of meningitis. Both diseases are very serious and, especially if not diagnosed early, they can kill.
PUBLIC Health England (PHE) is launching a new vaccination programme that will offer teenagers protection against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The MRF urge the public to be aware of all signs and symptoms and trust instincts – not to wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent attention.
From January, the vaccination will also start to be rolled out to all 14-18-year-olds through the schools immunisation programme and Global Positioning System.
“We are particularly concerned with those going to university or college in the autumn as they are at a higher risk from what has been called “freshers” flu'”.
The rise in this ST-11 MenW disease is particularly alarming because it is striking mainly healthy people across all age groups, with a marked spike amongst teenagers and cases are rising steeply.
The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against the A, C, W and Y strains will be offered to all 17 and 18-year-olds in school Year 13 – targeting those heading off to university in particular.
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The same bacteria that cause these serious diseases can also be carried in the back of the nose and throat, especially in young adults.
