Young people in Sefton can now book an appointment at a community pharmacy for a vaccination to protect them against Meningitis B.

Young people

Vaccinations are available for all young people:

• born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008;
• born on or after 21 July 2001 and, for the first time this autumn, are:
• starting university
• starting as a residential student at an eligible further education college

Book now

Those who are eligible can book* now at www.nhs.uk/book-menb.

MenB vaccines are also available from participating pharmacy.

You can this link to find your nearest pharmacy offering the MenB vaccine. 

*You must be registered with a GP surgery in England to book.

Special programme

Over the past year, a number of Meningitis B outbreaks have been reported including the cluster of cases around Canterbury in Kent. More than 20 young people, mostly students, were infected in the March outbreak. All required hospital treatment, nine ended up in intensive care and two died.

The MenB vaccination programme is aimed at young people who are at higher risk of getting meningitis B. This includes young people in Sefton who are starting university or residential college this autumn.

Close contact

Health experts say students living and studying with lots of new people are more likely to come into close contact with meningitis bacteria. Research shows first-year university students are around seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease than other young people of the same age.

Two doses

The MenB vaccine is given as two doses and there has already been an encouraging uptake of the first dose.

Having both doses offers the best protection against becoming seriously ill.

The MenB vaccine has been used safely for many years as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. Evidence shows it has reduced MenB disease by around 75% in vaccinated groups.

The special NHS vaccine offer is available for a limited time, with the offer for first doses until 31^st December 2026 and the second doses until 31^st March 2027.

Life-threatening

When the vaccinations were announced, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health Dr Rory McGill said: “Meningitis is a serious infection that can very quickly become life-threatening. It can cause swelling around the brain and spinal cord and may lead to lifelong health problems such as hearing loss, memory difficulties and movement problems.

“In some cases, it can be fatal and young people mixing closely with lots of new people, say at university or college, are more likely to be exposed to it.

“I would urge any young people not already vaccinated to book their appointment now and protect themselves before the start of the new university and college terms.” 

Know the signs

The vaccine does not protect against all types of meningitis so it is important to know the signs of meningitis, which can include:

• a high temperature
• severe headache
• vomiting
• a stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• confusion
• extreme sleepiness
• seizures
• a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

Anyone who thinks they or someone else may have meningitis should seek urgent medical help immediately or call 999 in an emergency.

Find out more and to book a vaccination here.