Northland DHB's public health unit has launched a Facebook page to encourage young people to learn more about the meningococcal C immunisation programme.
Dr Clair Mills, Northland DHB medical officer of health said the meningococcal C vaccination programme was now in full swing, with more than 2000 students vaccinated in high schools across Northland.
The aim was to reach 85 per cent of all children and youth aged 12 months to under 20 years with meningococcal C vaccine in order to prevent more cases and protect the community.
"It is really important that people realise that the vaccination from Meningococcal B will not protect them against Meningococcal C," she said.
Typically it was hard to get youth to access health care, which is why the public health team have turned to Facebook.
"The use of Facebook allows us to go where students and out of school youth are. If they have questions about meningococcal disease or our vaccination programme they can contact us through Facebook and a doctor will respond to their query within 24 to 48 hours," Dr Mills said.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and septicaemia, and can be quickly life-threatening. There have been seven cases of meningococcal Group C disease in Northland, including three deaths. The laboratory has confirmed the 82-year-old woman with meningococcal disease who passed away on September 22, was also Group C.
"I have received a number of queries as to why the age group 12 months to under 20 years is being vaccinated, Dr Mills said.
"At any one point in time, 5 to 20 per cent of the population - especially teenagers - may carry the meningococcal harmlessly in the nose and throat, known as 'carriage'. For reasons that are not entirely understood, it can also invade the body and cause disease.
"The experience from outbreaks internationally is that the most effective vaccination strategy is to vaccinate the highest risk age groups [under 20 years], as this can result in dramatic reduction in disease, both by offering individual protection, and by reducing the carriage and therefore transmission of the bacteria in the community."
Young children, teenagers and young adults under 20 are being offered the vaccine for free.
Those outside of this age group who wish to access a meningococcal vaccine that is not publicly fundedneed to visit their GP.
Northland DHB's meningococcal C vaccination programme is a one-off opportunity to be vaccinated, as the programme ends on December 16.
"Meningococcal C disease is in our community and it's a killer. I strongly encourage children and youth to get vaccinated," Dr Mills said.
As well as school-based vaccinations, the vaccination programme is also being offered at general practices and special community-based clinics.
On October 10, general practice will recall and begin vaccinating children aged 12 months to 5 years. At the same time, a number of special community-based clinics will operate across the region, for youth out of school - who are under 20. Young people can also visit their family doctor to be vaccinated if they wish.
From October 19 to December 16, a community-based clinic will operate at Shop 4, the Strand, in Whangarei. Targeting youth out of school, it will open from 1pm to 5pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday's from 10am to 1pm.
Full details of the programme are on Northland DHB's website at www.northlanddhb.org.nz.