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With Northern Ireland’s meningitis B vaccination service launching today (July 31), the sector negotiator has questioned the decision to commission just 30 community pharmacies to deliver it.

Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland chief executive Gerard Greene welcomed the service announcement but said that given the potential seriousness of MenB infection “it is disappointing that only 30 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland have been commissioned to provide the vaccine”.

Mr Greene said: “While these pharmacies have been selected because of their proximity to further and higher education providers, the wider community pharmacy network could have offered eligible young people greater choice and flexibility, particularly in pharmacies closer to home, over where and when to receive their vaccination.

“Community pharmacy has a strong track record of successfully delivering vaccination programmes at scale.

“In England, pharmacies have been tasked with leading the MenB programme, demonstrating the valuable contribution the sector can make when it is properly planned, commissioned and resourced.”

The service, which is also being offered by GP practices in Northern Ireland, is available to young people born between July 2007 and July 2008, as well as those born after July 2001 who are due to start an undergraduate degree course in autumn 2026 or will be living in halls from then.

 Mr Greene encouraged eligible young people to get their first vaccination “at the earliest opportunity” and “ensure they return for their second dose”.