Students in Hertfordshire urged to get vaccinated against meningitis
A special vaccination clinic will be running this week
Students across Hertfordshire are being urged to make sure their meningitis vaccinations are up to date, after two people died in Kent and a further 11 people have been hospitalised.
The University of Hertfordshire and the County Council say they are both “monitoring the situation closely” and are reminding people about the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations, particularly the MenACWY vaccine.
A special vaccination clinic will be running this week on March 19th for anyone who has not yet received it and would like to.
Some key symptoms of meningitis, include a rash, a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck and sensitivity to light.
Geraldine Bruce, Principal Health Protection Specialist at the Council says meningitis is an “uncommon but very serious disease”.
She said: “It is spread through close contact, through coughs, sneezes, kissing.
“People that share accommodation in university or they're mixing with lots of new people for the first time are particularly susceptible, and that's because the bacteria can live in our nose and throats.
“People may carry the meningitis bacteria without realising it. They might not be unwell themselves, but they may spread it on to other people, particularly those that are unvaccinated.”
“The vaccine is very effective. All of the childhood immunisations in some way will give some protection about meningitis, but the specific vaccination has been proven to be very, very effective.
“So, we'd absolutely recommend you get that vaccination, particularly if you're at university, in sixth form, or off to college”, she adds.
A University of Hertfordshire spokesperson said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our students remain our highest priority. We can confirm that this incident is not currently affecting the University of Hertfordshire and that we have no linked cases.”
Adding that it is “urging any student who feels unwell or unsure to seek prompt medical advice through NHS 111, their GP or urgent care services.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected.”