Young people across North Wales are being urged to make sure they receive the second dose of their Meningitis B vaccination as the next stage of the national programme gets underway.

More than 17,000 young people came forward for their first dose during the first four weeks of the time-limited vaccination rollout.

The vaccine is being offered free to young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as people under 25 who are starting higher education or residential further education for the first time this autumn.

The MenB vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart, and health officials are stressing that both are needed to provide the best protection.

The programme is particularly focused on young people heading into university or residential education because they are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Those starting university for the first time are estimated to be seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease, with the increased risk linked to close mixing and shared accommodation and facilities.

Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, has urged eligible young people not to forget their follow-up appointment.

She said it was important for those who had received their first vaccination to return for the “vital second dose”.

Young people who have not yet taken up the offer are also being encouraged to come forward, with time still available to receive a first dose.

The second vaccination does not necessarily have to be given in the same location as the first. Students who move away for university can receive their second dose in their university town if required.

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said meningococcal B disease was rare but could develop rapidly and cause serious illness.

He said thousands of young people had already taken up the vaccination offer, but stressed that eligible people should complete both doses, ideally before starting their course.

Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds should receive a letter from their local health board.

Those under 25 starting higher education or residential further education for the first time who have not received a letter are being advised to contact their health board directly or check the Public Health Wales website for information about eligibility and appointments.

With thousands of young people preparing to leave home for university or further education in the coming weeks, health officials are urging them to make vaccination part of their preparations.