Students to be vaccinated against meningitis

As part of the MenACWY programme, Global Positioning System in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire are inviting teenagers aged 17 and 18 (born between 01 September 1996 and 31 August 1997) for the vaccine. “We are ensuring it is made available in Northern Ireland now, despite the extremely challenging financial position”, he said. It is now responsible for around a quarter of all confirmed meningococcal cases in England.

In March this year, Government ministers agreed to fund the vaccines, and fasttrack the roll-out in time for this year’s Year 13 school leavers.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, explained: “Older teenagers are at higher risk of getting MenW disease, so you need to get vaccinated to help protect yourself”. “You should be vaccinated before the start of the academic term or before leaving home for university or college – ideally two weeks in advance”.

From this week, older teenagers will start receiving an invitation letter and information leaflet, asking those who have left school to get the vaccine at their GP practice as soon as possible.

“The PHA is also encouraging everyone starting university for the first time, up to the age of 25, to get the vaccine”.

An global quartet of public health organisations says vaccine manufacturers must step up production of vaccine containing meningitis C by at least 5 million doses before January.

The early symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to those of flu.

The disease develops rapidly and early symptoms can include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever, with cold hands and feet. “Be aware of all signs and symptoms and trust your instincts – don’t wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent medical attention”.

Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014.

Nine students contracted meningitis last year at Princeton University, with one associated death at Drexel University, and four cases were recorded at the University of California Santa Barbara in 2013.

Nurses will be helping deliver a new vaccination programme aimed at teenagers from today in England, Wales and Scotland.

“Protecting young people as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their life is crucial, particularly when they are at risk of catching the potentially deadly meningococcal disease. We need to get them to produce and provide vaccine, in the right quantity and at an affordable price”.