As thousands of young people begin to plan for life at university the NHS is encouraging them to make sure they are protected from Meningitis B.

The infection can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain and sepsis (blood poisoning), and in very rare cases can be fatal. Students in their first year of university are around seven times more at risk than those of a similar age who do not go to university.

The vaccine provides the best protection against the infection. In its first two weeks of roll-out, more than 14,414 young people in the East of England have received the first of a life-saving double dose of the meningitis B vaccine, coinciding with the NHS launching its biggest ever catch-up campaign for the virus.

Since the programme began on 20^th July, over 96,506* first doses of the vaccine have been given to young people across England. They are now eligible for their second jab. The NHS National Booking Service has received more than 135,000 bookings for the coming weeks, 8193 of these are already booked in for patients in the east of England. 925 high street pharmacies in the east of England 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.

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “The best of luck to everyone receiving their A-Level grades today.

“As you plan your next steps, please make sure you’re including getting both your Men B jabs on your ‘to-do’ list this summer.

“The bacteria that cause MenB can be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing a drink, a vape or a kiss. It can even just be from prolonged close contact with the person, such as living in the same home.

“If you haven’t got yours yet, do.

“This vaccine needs two doses to be most effective, so if you’re eligible, please come forward and book as soon as possible to give you the best protection you can.

“You can also make sure you’re up to date with your Men ACWY vaccination, HPV and teenage booster against polio and diphtheria.

“As with any vaccination, a potential side effect is arm soreness, but this is a common reaction as your immune system does what it’s supposed to do to learn to fight the illness, and is temporary.

“It can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and keeping your arm moving to reduce stiffness.

“The main thing is to get your second dose, and get protected.”

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.

Seventeen 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.

Health and Social Care minister Baroness Merron said: “It is encouraging to see so many young people getting their MenB jab before they head off to university or college.

“I would like to thank all NHS staff and pharmacies up and down the country for making this possible.

“By receiving both doses of the vaccine, young people are protecting themselves from this awful disease.

“I encourage everyone who hasn’t yet come forward to do so in August and to remember that a second dose is vital for full protection.”

Sarah Cavanagh, Public Health Pharmacist NHSE East of England, said: “Community pharmacies across the region have rallied to deliver this brand new vaccination service, and people have really valued being able to get both of their MenB jabs so easily.

“There is plenty of stock and you still have time to get protected if you book now.”

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