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Nearly 90,000 young people have already received their first dose of the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine within the first two weeks of the NHS’s largest-ever catch-up vaccination campaign
The catch-up vaccination campaign began on the 20th July and is in place to protect one million eligible young people from a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.
By 31 July, 89,261 first doses had been administered, while more than 135,000 vaccination appointments had been booked through the NHS National Booking Service for the weeks ahead.
With thousands of community pharmacies taking part and plenty of vaccine supplies available, health officials are encouraging everyone eligible to book their appointments before the new academic year begins.
The importance of the MenB vaccine
Meningococcal B infection can develop rapidly and cause serious illnesses, including meningitis, which is an infection of the lining around the brain, and septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning.
In severe cases, the disease can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations. Although rare, it can also be fatal.
The bacteria spread through close contact with an infected person, including kissing, sharing drinks or vaping devices, or spending long periods living together. This makes university students particularly vulnerable, especially those living in shared accommodation.
Research shows that first-year university students face a risk of meningococcal B infection around seven times higher than people of the same age who are not attending university.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
The catch-up programme is available to:
- Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
- Anyone born on or after 21 July 2001 who is starting university for the first time this autumn.
- Those born on or after 21 July 2001 who are beginning residential further education college for the first time this autumn.
The vaccine requires two doses, given at least 28 days apart, to provide the strongest protection.
Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds can book appointments through the NHS National Booking Service at participating community pharmacies, while other eligible young people can contact participating pharmacies directly.
Health experts are reminding those who receive their first injection that the second dose is essential for achieving full protection against the disease.
While some people may experience mild, short-term side effects after vaccination, these are generally outweighed by the protection the vaccine offers against a potentially devastating illness.