Meningococcal meningitis, infection and inflammation of the brain’s lining, and meningococcal septicaemia, or blood poisoning, are both infections caused by the meningococcus bacteria.
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Through a new immunisation programme, everyone born between July 2, 1996 and July 1, 1997, and first time university students up to the age of 25, will be offered the Men ACWY vaccine.
The organisation thinks that many people at university will be mixing closely with lots of new people, who may be carry the meningococcal bacteria.
As well as MenW, the vaccination also protects against meningococcal disease types A, C and Y. It is now responsible for around a quarter of all confirmed meningococcal cases in England.
The vaccine is being introduced in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease, group W. Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014.
Mark said: “Meningitis can be an extremely serious disease, so I would encourage parents to ensure their teenage sons and daughters take up the offer of this simple combined single jab, which will help protect them against four potentially deadly strains of the disease”.
“You can arrange this through your GP and it is really important to have it before you start university, if possible, and if not, to have it in the first week of term”.
The early symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to those of flu. “Be aware of all signs and symptoms and trust your instincts – don’t wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent medical attention”, she added. “The best way to protect against meningococcal A, C, W, or Y disease is to get the vaccine before starting university”.
Health officials in Scotland and Wales are also encouraging school-leavers and freshers to make an appointment at their surgery this summer.
Young people returning to school in August will receive their vaccine in school during the coming academic year.
From January 2016, the vaccination will also start to be rolled out to all 14-18-year-olds through the schools immunisation programme and Global Positioning System.
Meningitis W has a higher death rate than other strains of the disease.
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“We urge all who are eligible to make sure they get MenACWY vaccine”. “The risks of not getting it are just not worth it”.
