More than 6,400 Surrey and Sussex young people vaccinated against MenB in first two weeks - the second-highest total in England
More than 6,400 eligible young people across Surrey and Sussex have received a meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination in the first two weeks of a new NHS vaccination programme, giving the area one of the highest uptake rates in the country.
New NHS England data shows that 6,461 MenB vaccinations had been delivered across Surrey and Sussex by 31 July, the second-highest total in England.
The figures contribute to the South East region achieving the highest number of vaccinations nationally, with more than 20,000 doses delivered.
The MenB vaccination programme launched on 20 July and offers protection against meningococcal B disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis and septicaemia.
The vaccine is available to:
- people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
- people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.
More than 1000 Community pharmacies across Surrey and Sussex are helping to deliver the programme, making it easier for young people to access the vaccine before starting university or college.
Eligible young people require two doses of the vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, for maximum protection.
Brijesh Thaker, a local pharmacist in Brighton, says:
Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB, said:
It's encouraging to see so many young people across Surrey and Sussex taking up the offer of the MenB vaccine. Surrey and Sussex has a high number of young people going off to university for the first time, and many more coming into the area to study from September, so it is vital that we encourage everyone who is eligible to access the vaccine as soon as possible.
MenB disease can develop quickly and become very serious, but vaccination offers effective protection.
Meningococcal B bacteria can spread through close and prolonged contact, such as living and socialising in shared accommodation. Young people starting university are at increased risk, making vaccination an important step in protecting themselves and others.
The NHS is encouraging anyone who is eligible and has not yet booked their vaccination to come forward before the start of the new academic year.
Seventeen- to eighteen-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service, while other eligible people can contact a participating community pharmacy directly to arrange an appointment.