A mass vaccination programme begins in Northland this week to protect young people from an outbreak of meningitis.
The C strain of meningococcus is relatively uncommon in New Zealand, but there have been six cases in the region since July. A baby and teenager have died.
Northland Health is offering free immunisation shots for everyone aged from 12 months to 20 years.
Medical officer of health Clair Mills says high school students are the first priority because they are in the high risk group and have exams coming up.
Vaccinations start on Tuesday in schools in Whangarei and Kerikeri where there have been confirmed cases of meningitis.
