Students get first vaccine dose following menB outbreaks
First-year university students are seven times more likely to contract meningitis
Tens of thousands of young people starting university next month have received their first dose of the meningitis B (menB) vaccine following deadly outbreaks earlier this year.
Some 89,261 doses were administered in the first fortnight of a one-off jab programme for Year 13 pupils and students under 25 heading to university or residential education this autumn, NHS England said.
The immunisation drive comes after a series of meningitis outbreaks in March left three teenagers dead, including Juliette Kenny, 18, whose family have been campaigning for young people to be routinely given access to the menB vaccine.
The outbreak at the University of Kent was the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK, and other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been bigger than expected.
NHS director of vaccination Caroline Temmink said the “first of its kind” programme had made a “great start”, with more than 135,000 appointments booked for the coming weeks.
“The crucial campaign will continue to gather pace as we work closely with pharmacies across the country to ensure they can deliver thousands more vaccines to eligible young people,” Ms Temmink said.
“This vaccine needs two doses to be most effective, so if you’re eligible, please come forward and book as soon as possible to give yourself the best protection before the start of the new university year in September.”
First-year university students are seven times more likely to contract meningitis than their peers who do not go to university, NHS England said.
Close and prolonged contact in halls of residence, shared homes and at social events, through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, can increase the risk of contracting menB.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, said he cannot “stress enough” how important it is to take the second dose, “as only then will you have strong protection against this devastating disease”.
He added: “Some do get a reaction to the vaccine but please don’t let this put you off getting your second dose.
“For any short-lived discomfort, it’s worth the life-saving protection against meningitis and septicaemia.”
MenB infection can cause life-threatening problems, including inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis, which can lead to amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.
NHS England said there are hundreds of thousands of menB vaccination appointments available to patients and enough stock to vaccinate everyone who is eligible.
Seventeen and 18-year-olds can book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies.
Other eligible young people can contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said the demand for the vaccine in the pharmacies has “already been high”.
“People value the convenience and accessibility of the pharmacy network for all manner of healthcare services, and satisfaction with community pharmacy continues to grow,” she added.
Health and Social Care minister Baroness Merron also said a second dose is “vital” for full protection from the disease.
“It is encouraging to see so many young people getting their menB jab before they head off to university or college,” she said.
“I would like to thank all NHS staff and pharmacies up and down the country for making this possible.
“By receiving both doses of the vaccine, young people are protecting themselves from this awful disease.
“I encourage everyone who hasn’t yet come forward to do so in August and to remember that a second dose is vital for full protection.”