High-street pharmacies across England now offering vaccinations for meningitis in bid to protect young people heading to university this autumn.
The NHS is encouraging young people book a free meningitis vaccination at their high-street pharmacy. About 1m young people will be eligible under the scheme:
- Anyone born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008
- Those born on or after July 21, 2001, who are starting university for the first time this autumn
- Those born on or after July 21, 2001, who are starting in residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn
The first appointments will be available from this Monday, July 20.
Meningococcal B can cause serious problems such as inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis / blood poisoning. This can lead to life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. In some cases, it can prove fatal.
In March this year, an outbreak of meningitis in Kent resulted in 29 confirmed or suspected cases, and two deaths.
The bacteria that cause the disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact like living in the same home. Students in their first year at university have about 7x the risk of contracting the disease than young people of a similar age – hence the focus of this new campaign.
Two doses of the vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, are needed for protection from the disease. Booking now gives young people time to get both doses before they start college or university.
Those aged 17 and 18 can book now using the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies. Other eligible people can contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.
Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccination, says: ‘Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread. So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.
‘We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year in so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.’
James Murray MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, adds: ‘Vaccines save lives, which is why we’re offering the Meningitis B vaccine to around 1m students as part of vital actions we’re taking to better protect young people. We’re also launching our new taskforce which will strengthen ties between the health and education sectors. We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK.
‘By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.’
Photo by Mufid Majnun / Unsplash.
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