As thousands of young people begin to plan for life at university the NHS is encouraging them to make sure they are protected from Meningitis B.
The infection can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis (blood poisoning), and in very rare cases can be fatal.
Students in their first year of university are around seven times more at risk than those of a similar age who do not go to university.
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There are hundreds of thousands of Men B vaccination appointments available to patients and enough stock to vaccinate everyone eligible.
Dr Eleanor Powers, head of public health commissioning (immunisation) for NHS England (East of England), said, “As you plan your next steps, please make sure you’re including getting both your Men B jabs on your ‘to-do’ list this summer.
“The bacteria that cause MenB can be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing a drink, a vape or a kiss.
“It can even just be from prolonged close contact with the person, such as living in the same home.”
Dr Powers continued, “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 you the best protection you can.”
Who is eligible
In total, around a million young people are expected to be eligible for the vaccine.
Those who are eligible are:
- People born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- People born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
- People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn
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.
Health and social care minister Baroness Merron said, “It is encouraging to see so many young people getting their MenB jab before they head off to university or college.
“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.”
