16/12/2025
Are you or family going to a university hall or polytechnic hall of residence, boarding school hostel, military barracks or prison in the next 3 months for the first time?
If you are it is recommended you get a meningitis vaccine before you go. It is free for those aged 13-25 years of age, see below for more details.
Young people are at high risk when living closely together in places like boarding school hostels or tertiary education halls of residence. (Note: Close living situations do not include flatting or other group living situations.)
Bacteria are spread in a similar way to the common cold (by coughing and sneezing, or from contact with saliva (spit)).
Vaccination protects against the disease and helps stop it spreading to others. Protection is not lifelong, it is expected to last for up to 5 years after vaccination. Get immunised again if your last meningococcal vaccinations were more than 5 years ago or you have never had it.
Vaccines are FREE for people 13 to 25 years of age during their first year of living in a boarding school hostel, university or polytech hall of residence, military barracks or prison, or 3 months before they move in.
To find out more watch this VIDEO https://youtu.be/pSEEuMpjIZY?si=MgdxwVIKt-BsFVSM
Meningococcal disease is a very serious bacterial infection that can be become deadly in just a few hours.*
Just walk in or make a booking for your FREE vaccination with one of our friendly pharmacists.
Vaccinations available Mon-Friday 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-1230pm
Lyttelton Pharmacy & Post Centre
www.lytteltonpharmacy.co.nz
03-328-8314
*People who survive meningococcal disease often have serious long-term effects, including amputation of limbs, hearing loss, seizures, brain injury and permanent skin scarring.
