Young people urged to get meningitis B vaccine

Sixth formers and students going to university in September have been urged to take up the government's offer of the meningitis B vaccine.

The government has announced that the two-dose vaccine will be offered to pupils in Year 13 in England as well as those aged 18 to 25 heading to university or residential further education for the first time in September.

Andrew Lane, chair of Community Pharmacy Gloucestershire, said it was important for "as many people as possible in that cohort to get the vaccine" to prevent young people contracting the potentially fatal disease.

Yume Penwarden, 22, who will be starting a new course at the University of Bristol, said the vaccine rollout was a "good idea".

Meningitis B bacteria spread through close contact - for example through kissing, sharing vapes and drinks or living in close quarters with a person with the bug.

UK health officials say the risk to those entering university for the first time is higher because of increased mixing of social groups and shared accommodation.

The two doses will be offered in July and August through community pharmacies.

Year 13s will be contacted directly through the NHS app, text, email, or letter, depending on health records.

Meanwhile, under-25s who are starting university for the first time will be able to book appointments directly with pharmacies.

Lane said the rollout was to avoid a repeat of what happened in Kent where two young people died following 29 confirmed or suspected cases.

"People can go rapidly downhill so it's important to seek medical advice once those initial symptoms have been identified," he said.

There was also a cluster of three cases of meningitis B among young people in Weymouth in April this year. In Reading one person died with the illness and a further three cases were confirmed in students.

Stewart Dove, director of student experience at the University of Gloucestershire, welcomed the vaccination campaign.

He urged any prospective students to get in touch with their GP if they are not contacted about the vaccine.

"We strongly advise all our students to register with a local GP as soon as they arrive and to make sure they are up to date with their immunisations," he said.

Dr Beth Smout, interim regional deputy director of health protection at UKHSA South West, said the vaccine would give good protection against meningitis B which can can be fatal or lead to amputation, hearing loss and brain damage.

"I strongly encourage every eligible young person in the South West to come forward for their first dose as soon as bookings open in mid-July and to make sure they get their second dose too," she said.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.