Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
As thousands of students collect their A-level results tomorrow, the NHS is encouraging them to have a potentially life-saving vaccine.
The new meningitis B (MenB) vaccine is offered for free at local pharmacies for people born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, or those starting university or residential college for the first time this autumn.
Meningococcal B infection can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning) and can, in some instances, lead to life-changing disabilities including hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss. It can also be fatal.
First-year students living in halls of residence or shared accommodation are around seven times more likely to develop the disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.
The bacteria can spread through close contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged contact in shared living spaces.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed – given at least 28 days apart – so eligible young people are encouraged to book as soon as possible to ensure they are fully protected before the autumn term begins. To date 2,858 young people have been vaccinated in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire with 1,000 more booked into receive their jabs at any over 140 community pharmacies located across the city and county.
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards said: “This week thousands of students will secure their university and college places following their exam results. This is an exciting time, but it also brings new health risks as young people begin living, studying and socialising with large groups of people.
“This vaccination provides protection against Meningitis B which can develop very quickly and have devastating consequences, even in otherwise healthy young adults.
“To date 7,375 eligible 17 and 18-year-olds have received the vaccine across our part of the Midlands. If you’re not one of them but you are eligible for the vaccine, I would strongly urge you to book an appointment as soon as possible and ensure you’ve received both doses.
“A few minutes spent booking the vaccine now could help prevent a life-threatening illness later.”
Around one-million young people across England are expected to be eligible for the programme. Those born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, including people born between those dates who are in employment or training, are eligible for the vaccine. Under 25s starting university this autumn or entering residential further education for the first time – including international students – are also eligible.
Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service. Other eligible students can find a participating community pharmacy offering walk-in vaccinations.
