The South East has delivered more meningococcal B (MenB) vaccinations than any other region in England, with more than 20,000 eligible young people choosing to get protected against the potentially life-threatening disease.

New NHS England data recently published shows that 20,064 MenB vaccinations were delivered across the South East by 31 July, the highest number of any region in the country.

The latest figures build on early success seen during the first week of the programme, when the South East announced that more than 10,000 MenB vaccinations had been delivered.

The one-off NHS vaccination programme launched on Monday 20 July and offers the vaccine to:

• 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.
• Eligible young people require two doses of the vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, for maximum protection.

More than 1,000 community pharmacies in the South East have signed up to deliver the programme, helping ensure eligible young people can access the vaccine close to where they live ahead of starting university or college.

Inderjit Sanghera, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England South East, said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many young, eligible people across the South East taking up the offer of a MenB vaccination, with more than 20,000 vaccinations delivered in less than two weeks.

“These figures show that young people and their families understand the importance of protecting themselves against this serious disease, particularly ahead of the new university and college term.

“While we’re delighted with this strong start, there are still thousands of eligible young people who have not yet had their vaccine, so we’d encourage them to come forward as soon as possible and get protected.”

Meningococcal B bacteria can develop rapidly and can be life-threatening. Young people starting university are at increased risk because the bacteria can spread through close and prolonged contact, including living and socialising in shared accommodation.

The NHS is encouraging all eligible young people who have not yet booked to take advantage of the free offer and get protected before the start of the new academic year.

Seventeen to 18-year-olds can book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies.

All other eligible people are being encouraged to contact a participating pharmacy directly to book an appointment.