Tring pharmacist urges young people to get meningitis B vaccine before university
Prebashni Govender says eligible students should get protected before heading to university this year
A pharmacist in Tring is encouraging young people heading to university this year to make sure they are protected against meningitis B.
Prebashni Govender, known as Bash, a pharmacist at Pyramid Pharmacy on Chapel Street, says the vaccine helps protect against the infection which can be life-threatening.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said: “It can be fatal, as well as leading to permanent disabilities like limb amputations, hearing loss. It's really serious.”
Bash says young people can be particularly vulnerable when moving into university halls, where they are likely to be living in close proximity to other students.
“They're going to be in close contact with each other, so they're more likely to pass the bacteria between them,” she said.
The bacteria can be spread through close contact and respiratory or throat secretions, including kissing and sharing items such as drinks or vapes.
The NHS is currently offering the MenB vaccine to eligible young people, including 17- and 18-year-olds, as well as some first-time university and residential college students under 25.
The vaccination is given in two doses, with at least 28 days between them.
Bash says students should get their first dose as soon as possible before leaving for university, but the second dose can be given after they move away.
“You can get your second dose when you go to university,” she said. “There'll be a pharmacy there that will be able to give you a second dose.”
Around 50 young people have already received their MenB vaccination at Pyramid Pharmacy, according to Bash.
She says she has also vaccinated her own daughter, who is heading to university this year.
For anyone nervous about having the jab, Bash says the temporary discomfort is outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.
“Obviously, somebody coming at you with a needle is not the best thing,” she said.
“But if you look at the long-term benefits of taking it, I definitely think it will outweigh the discomfort that you feel.”
Bash says getting vaccinated is straightforward, with eligible young people able to book through the NHS service or contact a participating pharmacy.
Her message to young people preparing to leave for university is to get protected as soon as possible.
“Although it is quite daunting to get vaccinated, it's really important that you do it because long term it's going to be beneficial for you and your peers.”