𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Parents have been urged to make sure their children have the meningitis jab before heading to university. The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) is calling on parents to ensure their sons and daughters get the meningitis B (MenB) vaccination before starting their studies.

The IPA is stressing it is not too late to get vaccinated. The nation was reminded of the dangers of meningitis in March when two young people died and dozens more were affected in an outbreak of “invasive meningococcal disease” in the Canterbury area. Following campaigning by the IPA, eligible young people heading to university can receive their MenB vaccination through participating community pharmacies across England.

Under the programme launched in July, the vaccination is offered to eligible 17 and 18-year-olds and under-25s attending university or residential further education for the first time. Nearly a quarter of a million doses of the MenB vaccine were given between July 20 and August 31. MenB can cause potentially life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia.

Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the IPA, said: “The events in Kent earlier this year were a stark reminder of how devastating meningitis can be. Two young people lost their lives, and students were left queuing for protection. Students may be heading to university, but it is not too late to get vaccinated. We are urging parents across the country to make sure their children get vaccinated and have all the protection possible before they leave home.”

She added: “If your child has already left for university, please make sure they get vaccinated there… If they have had the first dose but not the second it is vital they go to their pharmacy for the second as both are needed for proper protection.”