The UK Health Security Agency launched the targeted immunization programme after three deaths and severe complications were traced to outbreaks across Kent, Dorset, and Berkshire. First-year higher education students are particularly vulnerable, encountering roughly seven times the infection risk of non-students due to dense residential environments. Full protection requires two distinct doses, but eligible individuals must receive their initial shot before the peak season begins to take advantage of the scheme. Medical professionals and student unions are now lobbying ministers to transition the current time-limited push into a permanent adolescent vaccination service.
Key points
Eligible young people must receive their first injection by 31 December to qualify for th…: Eligible young people must receive their first injection by 31 December to qualify for the two-dose course before the peak winter infection window.
The government programme extends coverage to individuals born between 1 September 2007 an…: The government programme extends coverage to individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, plus students under 25 entering residential further education.
Health leaders and student advocates are urging officials to reconsider the impending dea…: Health leaders and student advocates are urging officials to reconsider the impending deadline and implement routine adolescent vaccinations nationwide.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The clock is ticking for young people in the UK to receive vaccinations to protect against meningitis B, experts have said, as figures reveal fewer than one in three eligible in one-off campaign have received their first dose.
Earlier this year an unprecedented outbreak of meningitis B in Kent and clusters of cases in Dorset and Berkshire caused three deaths, as well as life-long health consequences among some of those who survived.
As a result, the government announced in June a one-off, time-limited programme offering young adults two doses of a vaccine that protects against most strains of MenB bacteria.
But figures from the UK Health Security Agency have revealed just 28.2% of 18- and 19-year-olds have received a first dose. Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said time was running out for young people to get both doses of the vaccine, and urged those eligible to book an appointment.
He said: “The deadline for getting your first dose is 31 December, so please don’t leave it until the end of term or forget it amongst all the…
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