Meningitis (MenB) Vaccination
Clear Pharmacy is taking part in the Northern Ireland MenB vaccination programme, offering a free MenB vaccination to eligible young people at selected pharmacies. Appointments can be booked online and take about ten minutes.
Who can have it
This is a one-off programme for those at highest risk of MenB. You are eligible if you are in either of these groups:
- Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2008
- Under 25 and starting higher education, or moving into a residential further education institution, for the first time this autumn. This includes international students.
Living in shared accommodation such as university halls raises the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading, which is why these groups are being offered the vaccine.
If you had the MenACWY vaccine at school, you still need this one. MenACWY protects against different strains and does not protect against MenB.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible, please call into your local Clear Pharmacy and a member of the team will be happy to check with you.
What to bring
You must bring photo ID showing your date of birth.
If you are eligible because you are starting university or college, you will also need proof of your place. Any of the following is fine:
- a screenshot of your UCAS or CAO account
- an offer email
- an offer letter
Whichever you bring, it needs to show the institution, the course, and that you have an offer.
We are not able to vaccinate you without this. Please do check before you travel to your appointment.
How the course works
The MenB vaccination is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart. You will need both for the fullest protection.
If you are heading away to university, it is possible to have the first dose with Clear Pharmacy and then have the 2nd dose at another location but you do need both to make sure the vaccine is effective.
What happens at your appointment
Your appointment slot is fifteen minutes, and the vaccination itself takes about ten.
A couple of things that make it easier:
- wear a top with a sleeve you can roll up
- have something to eat beforehand
Book your appointment
Choose the pharmacy that suits you best.
Clear Pharmacy, Lisburn Road
171 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AJ
Clear Pharmacy, Shankill Road
71 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 1DY
Clear Pharmacy, Coleraine
5 Waterside, Coleraine BT51 3DP
Common questions
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, please book online using the links above. This lets us make sure a trained member of the team is available when you arrive.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please use the link in your confirmation email to cancel or rearrange, so that we can offer the slot to someone else.
Will my GP know I have had it?
Yes. Your vaccination is recorded in your pharmacy health record and shared with your GP and the Public Health Agency as required for this programme.
Can I have my second dose at a different pharmacy?
Yes. Book your second dose at whichever Clear Pharmacy is most convenient – it does not have to be the one where you had your first.
I have already had the MenACWY vaccine. Do I still need this?
Yes. MenACWY protects against different strains of meningococcal bacteria and does not protect against MenB.