Health officials are urging older teenagers who have not yet received the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine to come forward before the December 31 deadline for the first dose, warning that time is running out ahead of Christmas parties and gatherings.
New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that just over a quarter (28.2 per cent) of 18 and 19-year-olds have had a first dose of the MenB jab, while only 19.4 per cent of those eligible have had both doses. Out of 809,957 eligible young adults, only 228,297 have received the first vaccine, according to data reporting coverage levels to October 31.
Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine?
The one-off vaccination programme, launched earlier this year after outbreaks left three young people dead, is open to people born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008. The offer also extends to those under 25 who started university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Worryingly, only just over a quarter of 18 and 19-year-olds have had their first dose of the MenB vaccine and time is running out to get both doses and protect yourself from this devastating disease. The deadline for getting your first dose is December 31, so please don’t leave it until the end of term or forget it amongst all the Christmas and other holiday festivities."
Increased risk for university students
University students face a higher risk of contracting the disease due to "social mixing patterns". Previous work has found that the risk for students in their first year of university is around seven times higher than for young people of a similar age who do not attend university.
Dr Ladhani added: "Parties and gatherings inevitably lead to increased mixing with others which raises the risk of meningococcal disease spreading among young people. Book your appointment now. We know the vaccine can cause some a sore arm for a few days but compared to the potential devastating, life-changing consequences of infection, it’s just not worth the risk of missing out."
Public health minister Dame Diana Johnson said: "It is great that so many young people have received their MenB jab and I pay tribute to all the NHS staff and pharmacies up and down the country who have made this programme possible. But many of the young people who are eligible for this jab have still not taken it up and they are currently missing out on the chance to protect themselves against this terrible disease."
Dame Johnson continued: "So, I encourage everyone who hasn’t yet had the jab to come forward, make sure you get both doses and ensure you are properly protected this Christmas."
Campaign and impact of meningitis
The Kent outbreak, which was the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK, claimed the life of Juliette Kenny, 18. Her family has been campaigning for teenagers and young people to be routinely given access to the MenB vaccine. Other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been bigger than expected.
Close and prolonged contact in halls of residence, shared homes and at social events can increase the risk of contracting MenB. Cases tend to peak in October to November. The MenB jab is highly effective, providing strong protection for at least five years after vaccination, and the two doses need to be taken 28 days apart. The programme began on July 20 and will run until March 31 next year.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: "With more than half a million eligible young people in England still without their first MenB vaccination, we are facing a race against time to ensure as many as possible are protected against this devastating disease."
Dr Nutt added: "We have seen first-hand the tragic consequences of meningitis this year. MenB can strike without warning and progress with frightening speed. The vaccine offers an important opportunity to protect young people, particularly those heading to university or living in shared accommodation, where the risk of infection is significantly higher."
Dr Nutt continued: "We want to make a really clear and urgent appeal to every young person who is eligible: please don’t put this off. If you haven’t had your first dose, book it now. And if you’ve already had your first dose, make sure you go back for your second. Both doses are essential to complete the course and provide protection."
