"The MenB vaccine has been part of the free national childhood immunisation schedule for babies born from 1 October 2016 onwards. It is given over three doses at two, four and 12 months. Meningococcal type B disease is most common in babies under the age of one and the scheduling of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme takes account of this."
"There is currently no catch-up MenB vaccination programme for older children and teens not routinely vaccinated with the jab only available privately from GPs for about €300. In 2024, there were 42 cases of meningitis B reported in Ireland."
"Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health, said that in Ireland there is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity beyond expected seasonal and background levels. There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent."
Ireland's MenB vaccination program covers infants born from October 2016 onwards, administered in three doses at two, four, and twelve months. However, no catch-up vaccination program exists for older children and teenagers who missed routine vaccination, with private access available at approximately €300 per dose. In 2024, Ireland reported 42 meningitis B cases out of 66 total meningococcal cases. Currently, 12 meningococcal cases have been reported in 2026, with nine being serogroup B and no deaths. Irish health authorities confirm no evidence of increased invasive meningococcal disease activity or links to the recent Kent outbreak in England, which has affected 27 cases with two student deaths.
Read at Irish Independent
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