Tens of thousands of young people have received the first of a life-saving double dose of the meningitis B vaccine within just two weeks of the NHS launching its biggest ever catch-up campaign for the virus.
The programme began on 20 July, and in the first 12 days 89,261 first doses of the vaccine were given to young people, many of whom are preparing to go to university in September. The NHS National Booking Service has received more than 135,000 bookings for the coming weeks.
Thousands of high street pharmacies up and down the country are working to help the NHS deliver vital protection to eligible groups. There are hundreds of thousands of Men B vaccination appointments available to patients and enough stock to vaccinate everyone eligible.
Meningococcal B infection is a rare, severe bacterial illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B, which can lead to meningitis or sepsis. This can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage – and in some cases can prove fatal.
The bacteria that cause MenB disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home. Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university.
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.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart. 17 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.
NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink said: “This first of its kind vaccination programme has made a great start, with tens of thousands of young people given the first step towards vital protection in just under a fortnight. The crucial campaign will continue to gather pace as we work closely with pharmacies across the country to ensure they can deliver thousands more vaccines to eligible young people.”