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Young people in Wales will be offered a Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccination for the first time this year, the Welsh Government has announced.

The vaccination programme is being rolled out as part of a “time limited programme” – a precautionary measure following the Men B outbreak in Kent earlier this year.

Men B is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the UK, and can cause meningitis and sepsis, both of which can be life-threatening.

Younger people face a higher risk of catching the illness.

The rollout will run from July to December, and will be available to everyone currently aged 17 and 18 (born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008).

Anyone aged 18 to 25, who will be entering higher education or residential further education for the first time this autumn, including international students, will also be eligible.

The vaccine will be offered in two doses. Those aged 17 and 18 will begin receiving invitation letters from their health board from July 6.

Those aged 18 to 25 will need to contact their health board after July 20 for more information.

Nerys Evans, the Welsh Government’s deputy minister for public and preventative health, said: “Meningococcal B is a rare but extremely serious disease that can progress quickly and devastate young lives.

“Following recent outbreaks across the UK, the Welsh Government has acted decisively to ensure that young people in Wales will be offered this additional protection and I urge everyone who is eligible to take up their vaccination offer.”

Professor Isabel Oliver, Wales’ chief medical officer, reassured the vaccine is “safe and effective” and will “offer important protection”.

Prof Oliver added: “With the new academic year approaching, it is vital that eligible young people come forward for both doses as soon as the programme opens. I encourage all those who qualify to act promptly.”