Health officials are urging school leavers and new students to check they have had both doses of the MenB vaccine, warning that missing a dose could leave teenagers exposed to a potentially deadly infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reminded young people not to let end-of-school plans distract them from booking a second jab, after posting a reminder on social media this week.
Eligibility and reminders
“If you've left school this summer, you've probably got plenty to organise for what's next,” reads Tuesday's post on X. “But don't let that stop you from getting your second dose of the MenB vaccine.”
Eligibility guidance says free catch-up doses are available to 17 and 18-year-olds born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008. UKHSA guidance also highlights that some under-25s moving into residential accommodation or starting university for the first time can be eligible as well, because close-contact living increases the risk of spread.
Low uptake figures
New figures cited by Well Pharmacy suggest take-up is far lower than officials would like, with the chain warning fewer than 100,000 young people have been vaccinated out of around one million eligible. It says that works out at roughly one in 10 eligible young people having the free protection in place before Freshers’ Week.
The warning follows serious concern around MenB after outbreaks in the UK in recent years, including reports of a Kent cluster that prompted emergency vaccination and antibiotic clinics for students. Well Pharmacy deputy superintendent pharmacist Wendy Lee has warned MenB can become “serious very quickly,” urging families to book in early because the course requires two doses at least four weeks apart.
She explained: "MenB can become serious very quickly, and vaccination is a simple way to give students and parents peace of mind. The course requires two doses given at least four weeks apart, so we encourage students and parents to book now."
Symptoms and advice
As per the NHS, MenB is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia, and it can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms that need urgent attention can include a high temperature, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
The Meningitis Research Foundation warns early signs can be mistaken for “freshers’ flu” or a hangover, which is why it urges people to seek medical help quickly if they’re worried. Well Pharmacy says the free jabs are available across hundreds of participating branches for Year 13 leavers and incoming students. Meanwhile, the NHS says vaccinations are typically arranged through NHS services and eligible people should use official channels to book and check their records ahead of the new school year.
