Book now for your two doses of lifesaving meningitis vaccine

Eligible young people across Derby and Derbyshire being encouraged to book a potentially lifesaving meningitis B (MenB) vaccination at participating community pharmacies.

The NHS has launched a new vaccination programme offering free MenB vaccinations at local pharmacies for eligible 17 and 18-year-olds in their final year of sixth form, as well as students under 25 who are moving into university or residential college accommodation for the first time this autumn. Vaccination appointments are available to book now, with the first appointments taking place from 20 July.

Meningococcal B infection can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). In some cases, it can lead to life-changing disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage or limb loss, and can be fatal. The bacteria can spread through close contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged contact in shared living spaces.

Students living in halls of residence or shared accommodation are at increased risk, with first-year university students around seven times more likely to develop the disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university. Two doses of the vaccine are needed, given at least 28 days apart, so eligible young people are being encouraged to book as soon as possible to ensure they are fully protected before the autumn term begins.

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said: “Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new health risks as young people begin living, studying and socialising with large groups of people. Meningitis B can develop very quickly and have devastating consequences, even in otherwise healthy young adults.

“The good news is that vaccination provides important protection against this serious disease. If you are eligible for the MenB vaccine, I would strongly encourage you to book an appointment as soon as possible and make sure both doses are received before the start of term.

“A few minutes spent booking the vaccine now could help prevent a life-threatening illness later.”

Around one million young people across England are expected to be eligible for the programme. Those eligible include people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, and students born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university or certain residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.

Eligible 17 and 18-year-olds can book through the NHS National Booking Service. Other eligible students can find a participating community pharmacy offering walk-in vaccinations.