246,089 doses of meningococcal B vaccine given between July 20 and August 31, in run-up to new university year.
Ahead of the start of the new university year, the NHS has delivered almost quarter of a million MenB jabs to young people. For full protection, two doses of the vaccine are needed, given at least 28 days apart. Vaccination leads at the NHS are urging young people to ensure they’ve had their second jab.
The disease can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain and blood poisoning (sepsis). In some cases, this can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. It can even be fatal.
The bacteria that the disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person, ranging from kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home.
Between 300 and 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England in each, and it’s most prevalent among in children and young people. Research shows that students in their first year at university are many times more likely to contract the disease than their peers who don’t go to university.
Last week, it was reported that two teenagers in Suffolk are responding well to hospital treatment having contracted the disease. An outbreak in Kent in March this year was widely reported.
Anyone who is eligible can book a jab online via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies. They can also contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment. Those born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008 are eligible, as is anyone born on or after July 21, 2001 who is starting university or some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, says: ‘It’s fantastic that nearly a quarter of a million young people have already had their first dose of protection thanks to the support of thousands of community pharmacies, but freshers weeks and moving into halls and student houses can significantly increase the risk of exposure to MenB infection, so it’s vital to get fully shielded and book a second jab in the coming weeks.
‘High street pharmacies up and down the country are making it easy and convenient to get jabbed, so if you’re eligible, please come forward and book as soon as possible to give yourself the best protection.’
Photo by CDC / Unsplash
In related news:
‘Disabled people are being regarded as an expensive luxury’: Mik Scarlet on disability rights
First national call for evidence on spiritual and cultic abuse
Leave a Reply