ELIGIBLE young people in the local area are being invited to take up a free meningitis vaccine before starting university or further education.
The meningococcal group B vaccination programme is launching this month in a bid to halt the risk of transmission in shared accommodation and social settings.
It comes after high profile deaths linked to the illness in the south of the country earlier this year.
Meningococcal disease is rare but can develop rapidly and become life-threatening and cause life-changing complications, including amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. It is fatal in around one in ten cases.
The free two-dose vaccination course is essential for protection and is available to:
- 17 to 18-year-olds born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, registered with a GP in England. They will be invited to book appointments on the National Booking Service from 13th July.
- People aged 24 or under starting university this autumn or entering some residential further education can attend a pharmacy walk-in vaccination site from 20th July.
Minesh Parbart, chief pharmaceutical Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said:
"Starting university or college is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new environments and increased close contact with others.
"While meningococcal disease is rare, it can progress very quickly and become life-threatening.
"This national vaccination programme gives eligible young people a timely opportunity to protect themselves ahead of the new academic year.
"We strongly encourage those who are eligible to come forward for both doses as soon as they are offered."
