MenB is a serious infection that can be fatal and progresses rapidly. The risk of MenB for first-year university students is about seven times higher than people a similar age who did not go to university, according to NHS England
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers in England who are heading to university this autumn will be able to book a pharmacy appointment to have the meningitis B vaccine from today (Monday, July 13). Year 13 pupils aged 17 and 18 will be eligible for the one-off jab programme, with two doses given at least 28 days apart, as they are considered to be at risk.
People under 25 who are going to university or other residential further education in the autumn will also be eligible and can book their appointments, which start from July 20. The vaccination programme was announced by the Government last month after a series of meningitis outbreaks, the most serious of which was in Kent and left two teenagers dead.
MenB is a serious infection that can be fatal and progresses rapidly. The bacteria that causes the illness is spread through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks or living in halls of residence.
The risk of MenB for first-year university students is about seven times higher than people a similar age who did not go to university, according to NHS England.
‘Getting both doses of the vaccine will provide robust protection’
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria. Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.”
Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, said: “Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.
“So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university. We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.”
Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Too many of the people we support are left asking ‘what if?’ after MenB has changed their lives forever. This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak.
“Having supported thousands of people through the Kent outbreak and other recent clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults. If you’re eligible, don’t delay – get to your local pharmacy, have both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.”
It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education launch a school-aged vaccination taskforce in a bid to improve uptake of jabs. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is also currently looking at whether a bigger and longer programme is needed for young people.
Health Secretary James Murray said: “We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK. By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.”
How to book appointment
You can book an appointment through the NHS website here. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England. Find out how to register with a GP surgery if you are not registered.
You can also attend a pharmacy walk-in service. You can get a walk-in MenB vaccine at a pharmacy if you were born on or after 21 July 2001, and for the first time this autumn you are:
- starting university
- starting at some further education colleges as a residential student
International students and students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and those who are travelling abroad to study are also eligible. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery to use the walk-in service.
The MenB vaccine is given in two doses, which need to be at least four weeks apart. Book your second dose after you’ve had your first dose.
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