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

Limited-time programme

There were a number of Meningitis B outbreaks reported this year, including the cluster of cases around Canterbury in Kent. As a result, the NHS has launched a special, limited-time vaccination programme.

The MenB 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.

The MenB programme is aimed at people:

• born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008.
• under 25 who are starting university for the first time this autumn.
• under 25 who are starting eligible residential further education for the first time.

How they get their MenB vaccine depends on which eligible group they are in.

Those who are 17 or 18 years old, born between 1st September 2007 and 31st August 2008, can book now at www.nhs.uk/book-menb. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England to book.

Anyone under 25, born on or after 21st July 2001, who is starting university or starting at some further education colleges as a residential student for the first time this autumn, now get a MenB vaccine at a participating pharmacy.

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

This includes international students, students from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and those travelling abroad to study. You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery to use this service.

Two doses

The MenB vaccine is given as two doses. Having both doses offers the best protection against becoming seriously ill.

The vaccine has already 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

Dr Rory McGill, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, 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.