More than 6,400 Surrey and Sussex young people receive MenB vaccine
Surrey and Sussex records the second-highest MenB vaccination total in England, with students urged to come forward
More than 6,400 young people across Surrey and Sussex have received a meningococcal B vaccination in the first two weeks of a new NHS programme.
NHS England figures show 6,461 MenB vaccinations were delivered across Surrey and Sussex by 31 July – that's the second-highest total in England.
The South East recorded the highest number of vaccinations nationally, with more than 20,000 doses delivered.
The MenB vaccination programme launched on 20 July and is designed to protect young people against meningococcal B disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
The programme is particularly aimed at young people preparing to start university or residential further education college for the first time this autumn.
It is available to people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as certain older students starting university or residential further education for the first time.
More than 1,000 community pharmacies across Surrey and Sussex are helping to deliver the programme, making it easier for eligible young people to get vaccinated before the new academic year.
Two doses are needed for maximum protection, with the second given at least 28 days after the first.
Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board, says the high take-up so far is encouraging.
She says Surrey and Sussex has a high number of young people going to university for the first time, while many more will be arriving in the area to study from September.
Meningococcal B bacteria can spread through close and prolonged contact, including among people living and socialising in shared accommodation.
The NHS says MenB disease can develop quickly and become very serious, but vaccination provides effective protection.
Anyone eligible who has not yet booked their vaccination is being encouraged to come forward before the start of the new academic year.
Young people aged 17 to 18 can book through the NHS National Booking Service, while other eligible people can contact a participating community pharmacy directly.