Thousands of Hampshire teenagers receive first dose of new meningitis B vaccine
“This is a fantastic start,” one doctor said.
Thousands of teenagers in Hampshire have got themselves vaccinated this summer, according to NHS reports.
A new vaccination programme has been launched for protection against meningitis B, with those preparing to start university or moving into student accommodation being urged to book a jab before the new term starts.
Meningitis B is a bacterial infection, which causes inflammation around the lining of a person’s brain and spinal cord. It can also poison the blood, posing a life-threatening risk to those who contract it.
At the time of publication, more than 4,500 young people have been vaccinated in the first two weeks of the scheme.
Teenager Toby Wardle, 18, said: “I'm moving away to university in September, so when I found out I was eligible for the MenB vaccine I booked it straight away. It was quick and easy, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I'll have that extra protection before I move into halls and meet lots of new people.
“I'd definitely encourage anyone who's eligible to get it done.”
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, deputy chief medical officer and vaccinations lead for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, added: “It's really encouraging that more than 4,500 young people have already come forward for their MenB vaccination in the first two weeks of the programme. This is a fantastic start and looking ahead we can see hundreds of others are also booked on.
"Starting university or college is an exciting time, but it also means living, studying and socialising closely with lots of new people. Vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself against MenB disease, which, although rare, can become life-threatening very quickly.
“As two doses are needed at least 28 days apart, I'd encourage everyone who's eligible to book now so they're fully protected before the autumn term begins."
Booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.
Eligible people can receive their first dose until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
For more information, people can go to the NHS website.