The NHS has issued a reminder for young people who have received their first MenB vaccination not to forget their second dose. Two doses are needed for the best protection, with the jabs required to be given at least 28 days apart. The reminder is particularly relevant to eligible 17 and 18-year-olds, who can still come forward for their first vaccination if they have not yet had it.
Eligibility and booking
In England, the current NHS online booking service is available to people aged 17 to 18 who were born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008, and who are registered with a GP surgery. Those who have already had their first dose should book their second appointment after receiving it, with the doses needing to be at least four weeks apart. The NHS booking service can also be used to check, change or cancel an existing appointment.
Young people who cannot book online can call 119 free of charge. A translation service is also available. There is also a separate pharmacy vaccination offer for eligible young people.
Pharmacy offer
The NHS says pharmacies can provide MenB vaccinations to people born on or after July 21, 2001 who are, for the first time this autumn, starting university or starting at certain further education colleges as residential students. International students and students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man can also be eligible, as can students travelling abroad to study.
Those using the pharmacy service will need to provide evidence of their university or college offer and do not need to be registered with a GP to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy.
Importance of vaccination
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and sepsis. The NHS is urging anyone who is eligible and has not yet had their first MenB dose to come forward rather than assuming they have missed their opportunity. The NHS MenB booking service is available online through the NHS website.
