Students heading to university should make sure they are vaccinated against four potentially deadly types of meningitis, health experts warned after figures showed many young people remained unprotected.
The vaccination, MenACWY, protects against four groups of meningococcal bacteria, which naturally live at the back of the throat in about one in 10 people without making them unwell.
But the bacteria can cause serious illness, including meningitis and septicaemia and lead to amputations, brain damage and even death.
The MenACWY jab is routinely offered alongside the 3-in-1 teenage booster at secondary school when pupils are in year 9 or 10 (aged 13 to 15).
But according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), about one in eight of those now old enough to start college or university have not had the jab. In 2021-22, 80% of pupils had been vaccinated by the end of year 10, down from 81% the previous year and 87% in 2019/20 when today’s soon-to-be freshers were in year 10..
The agency is urging students to ensure they are up to date with free jabs, including MenACWY, the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella, and the HPV vaccine to protect against diseases including cervical cancer.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Every year we see new and returning students get seriously ill, with some tragically dying, from what are preventable diseases.
“With large numbers of students coming together from around the country and overseas for the first time, and closely mixing, infection can spread easily. Ensuring you are protected against these deadly bugs is vital.”
UKHSA said disruption from the Covid pandemic affected the school-based immunisation programme, classroom attendance and staff absences.
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In 2021-22 providers for five local authorities were unable to offer all children in year 9 and 10 the vaccinations they were eligible for. There was considerable variation in coverage by region and local authority.
Claire Wright, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said it was crucial that young people were aware of meningitis symptoms, such as a blotchy rash that did not fade when a glass was rolled over it, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints, and a stiff neck. Some strains also caused vomiting and diarrhoea.
