Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) has welcomed the introduction of a new MenB vaccination programme for young people but expressed disappointment that only 30 community pharmacies have been commissioned to participate.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible young people preparing to attend university or further education this autumn to receive a free meningococcal B vaccine.
The vaccination programme will begin on Friday 31 July, with vaccines available through GP practices and 30 participating community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.
Two doses are required, given at least 28 days apart, to provide the maximum possible protection
Wider pharmacy network could provide greater choice
Responding to the PHA announcement, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), welcomed the opportunity for community pharmacies to support the programme.
“CPNI welcomes the opportunity to support this important Meningitis B vaccination programme, helping to protect teenagers and young adults from a serious and potentially life-threatening illness as they prepare to begin university or further education,” he said.
However, Mr Greene questioned the decision to limit pharmacy participation to 30 locations.
“Given the seriousness of MenB, it is disappointing that only 30 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland have been commissioned to provide the vaccine,” he said.
While the participating pharmacies were selected because of their proximity to further and higher education providers, CPNI believes the wider community pharmacy network could have offered young people more choice and flexibility.
This could have allowed students to receive their vaccinations from pharmacies closer to home and at times that better suited their preparations for university or college.
Mr Greene highlighted community pharmacy’s record of delivering vaccination programmes at scale and pointed to England, where pharmacies have been given a leading role in the MenB programme.
He said this demonstrated the contribution the sector could make when vaccination services are properly planned, commissioned and resourced.
Who is eligible?
Vaccination is being offered to:
• Everyone born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008
• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time this autumn, including international students
• People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting at certain residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn, including international students
Eligible young people can receive their first vaccination from 31 July through their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy.
Mr Greene encouraged those eligible to arrange their first appointment as soon as possible and ensure they return for their second dose.
“To achieve the greatest possible protection, eligible young people will need to receive two doses, at least 28 days apart, with protection developing in the weeks following the second dose,” he said.
“We would therefore encourage everyone who is eligible to arrange their first vaccination at the earliest opportunity and ensure they return for their second dose.”
Students face increased risk
MenB infections can cause meningitis and septicaemia, both of which can become life-threatening very quickly.
The infection can result in serious and lasting complications, including hearing loss, brain damage and the loss of limbs. In some cases, it can prove fatal.
The bacteria can spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing drinks or vapes and spending extended periods living with an infected person.
According to the PHA, first-year university students have a risk of MenB infection around seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.
Shared accommodation and increased contact with new groups of people can make it easier for the bacteria to spread.
Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said beginning the vaccination course promptly would give young people enough time to receive both doses before leaving for university or college and before meningitis cases typically increase during the autumn.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also encouraged eligible young people to receive the vaccine and asked parents and guardians to discuss its importance with teenagers and young adults.
Recognising the symptoms
The PHA is reminding students, families and education staff to remain vigilant for the symptoms of meningitis.
Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:
• A high temperature
• Vomiting
• Headache
• A blotchy rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
• A stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures
Symptoms can appear in any order and a rash may not always develop.
Anyone who suspects meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis should call 999 immediately or attend their nearest emergency department. People should trust their instincts and not wait for every symptom to appear.
Further information about eligibility and participating vaccination locations is available at nidirect.gov.uk/menb-vaccine.