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PHE publishes advice on meningitis and septicaemia vacinations

Young people urged to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia before starting university.

Young people going to college or university this autumn are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) due to the MenW bug, one of the most aggressive and deadly strains of meningitis. Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to over 200 cases in the past 12 months.

There are a number of strains of the infection and the vaccination gives protection against four of them:

  • MenA
  • MenC
  • MenW
  • MenY

These illnesses can be deadly and survivors are often left with life-changing disabilities.

Young people going on to university or college are particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria. But anyone in this age group is strongly advised to get the vaccination – whether starting college or not.

GPs will be writing to all 17 and 18 year olds (school year 13, born from 1 September 1997 to 31 August 1998) to encourage them to get vaccinated at their surgery as soon as possible. 19-year-olds who missed getting vaccinated last year (anyone born from 1 September 1996 to 31 August 1997) can also be vaccinated by their GP.

PHE is also advising anyone aged up to 25 who is starting university to get vaccinated by their GP.

Ideally young people should get vaccinated before term starts – to ensure immunity. But anyone can still get the jab from their new GP in their college town.

The MenACWY vaccination programme was introduced last year in response to a large increase in infections caused by a highly aggressive strain of group W meningococcal bacteria (Men W).

The disease can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include:

  • headache
  • vomiting
  • muscle pain
  • fever, and cold hands and feet

Students should be alert to the signs and symptoms and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently. Students are also encouraged to look out for their friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell.

The vaccine not only protects those who are vaccinated, but also helps control the spread of the disease among the wider population. This is the second year the vaccine is being offered to this age group.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE said yesterday:

Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of Men W across England, with students particularly at risk. Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important. The vaccination will save lives and prevent lifelong devastating disability.

We are encouraging all eligible 17 and 18 year-olds who have just left school to get vaccinated - particularly those heading to college or university. Young people and those around them should be alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get vaccinated as soon as possible, remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you have concerns for yourself or friends.

Liz Brown, Meningitis Now Chief Executive, said yesterday:

Up to a quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis compared to one in ten of the general population. In the UK every university could experience at least one case of meningitis among its students within the first term.

It’s vital that those going to Uni this autumn are not complacent about the threat of meningitis - we urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine before they go.

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said yesterday:

We’re encouraging students going to uni for the first time to do something great today. By getting this free meningitis vaccine from yourGP you’re not only protecting yourself from a potentially deadly disease, but also protecting others by stopping the spread.

It’s also vital to watch out for your friends if they’re unwell. If people do have meningitis it can be like a very bad hangover that quickly gets worse. It can be deadly so act fast and get medical help.

Background

  1. Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. It does this through world-class science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health. Follow us on Twitter: @PHE_uk and Facebook:www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland.
  2. For bids for interviews please contact Anushka Naidoo atAnushka.naidoo@phe.gov.uk or phone 0208 327 7004.
  3. Spokespeople: Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of immunisation at PHE, Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant in immunisation at PHE.
  4. In March 2015, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviewed the MenW outbreak in detail and concluded that this increase was likely to continue in future years unless action is taken, and advised that 14 to 18 year-olds should be immunised against meningococcal group W (MenW).The vaccination programme was announced in June 2015.
  5. On the JCVI recommendation, the Men ACWY vaccine is also now given through schools to pupils aged 14 (school year 9).
  6. For further information about the MenACWY vaccination, see the NHS Choices website

Public Health England press office

PHE Colindale 
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London
NW9 5EQ

Telephone 020 8327 7901

Out of Hours 020 8200 4400

 

Channel website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care

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