Free meningococcal vaccinations are underway in Northland

The region's been hard hit by a sudden outbreak of an aggressive new strain, with three Northlanders dead from the disease this year.

Drop-in clinics are open today at Whangarei Girls High School, Kerikeri High School, the Kaitaia Hospital whare, and the Hokianga Health Rawene clinic.

Children from 9 months to five years, and Northland residents aged 13 to 20 can get the shot.

The DHB says children aged 5 to 13 are less likely to carry the disease, so are not eligible for the first round of vaccinations.