Meningitis B: Teenagers warned ‘don’t leave it to chance’ and to get jab after deadly university outbreaks
Hundreds of thousands of students preparing for university this autumn across England are now entitled to make an appointment for the vital meningitis B vaccine from pharmacies.
The one-shot vaccination program targets Year 13 students aged 17 and 18 and requires two doses to be administered at least 28 days apart.
Additionally, people under the age of 25 who are attending university or other residential further education institutions this autumn will also be able to make an appointment starting July 20.
The initiative follows a government announcement last month triggered by a series of serious meningitis outbreaks, including a serious incident in Kent that tragically claimed the lives of two teenagers.
Meningitis B (MenB) is a serious and rapidly progressive infection that can be fatal. The bacteria responsible for the disease are spread through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks, or living in close quarters such as college dorms.
NHS England data shows that first-year university students face around seven times the risk of MenB compared to non-university peers of similar age.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Safety Agency, said: “The risk of MenB increases sharply for young people starting university, where close environment with large numbers of new people increases exposure to bacteria.
“Receiving both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide strong protection against most meningococcal strains and offer students and families vital peace of mind as we take the next big step.”
NHS vaccines director Caroline Temmink said: “Going to university is an exciting time, but it is also a time when the risk of MenB disease is high when you spend a lot of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that causes this potentially fatal disease to spread.
“So before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis vaccine—it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.
“We saw the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you are eligible, don’t take any chances and get vaccinated.”
Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Most of the people we support are asking, ‘What if?’ he asks the question. After MenB changed their lives forever.
“This vaccination program gives young people and their families a chance to avoid this heartbreak.
“After supporting thousands of people through the urban outbreak and other new clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults.
“If you are eligible, do not delay – go to your local pharmacy, get both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.”
It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education launched the school age vaccine task force in a bid to improve vaccine uptake.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization is also currently looking at whether a larger and longer program for young people is needed.
Health Secretary James Murray said: “We have already worked in partnership to encourage international students to receive their first dose of MenB before arriving in the UK.
“By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can continue and enjoy the next part of their education.”
