TEENAGERS are being urged to get vaccinated against meningitis before starting university this autumn.
A one-off MenB vaccine is being offered this summer to school leavers in Cheshire West and Chester, as part of a new programme from the UK Health Security Agency.
It targets those most at risk of meningococcal group B infection, which can cause life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia.
Professor Helen Bromley, director of public health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "We know that, after infancy, the highest number of cases of meningococcal disease are seen in 18 and 19-year-olds, and students in their first year of university have a risk that’s around seven times higher than others in their age group that do not go to university.
"Meningococcal group B can cause illnesses like meningitis and septicaemia, which can both lead to sepsis.
"This is why it is so important that anyone who is eligible takes up the offer of the vaccine this summer, making sure they get the two doses needed for full protection before the autumn."
Those eligible include students currently in year 13 in England and Wales (born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008), those in S6 in Scotland (born between March 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009), and students in year 14 in Northern Ireland (born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2008).
It also extends to anyone who turns 25 after December 31, 2026, who will be living in further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn this year.
International students arriving in the UK in September are also eligible.
Many in these groups will have previously received the MenACWY vaccine in school, which protects against other strains of meningococcal bacteria but not MenB.
The first dose of the MenB vaccine will be available from late July, with the second dose offered from August.
Year 13 students will be contacted by the NHS and given a booking link for a pharmacy appointment.
Online booking opens on July 13.
Anyone aged 24 or under and starting university or some types of residential further education can only receive the vaccine at a walk-in vaccination site, with that service opening on July 20.
For more information, search 'UKHSA MenB vaccine' online.
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