Health News · Wiltshire-wide
Two-thirds of Wiltshire students yet to receive life-saving meningitis vaccine
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Health officials are urging eligible students across Wiltshire to book their MenB vaccinations after figures revealed low uptake across the region.
Nearly 9,000 young people across the Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire area remain unprotected against a dangerous form of meningitis, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have revealed. Data published to mark World Meningitis Day shows that only 33.7 per cent of those eligible have received their first dose of the MenB vaccine.
While the local uptake is higher than the national average of 26.6 per cent and the South West regional average of 30.7 per cent, health leaders have warned that the low overall coverage leaves thousands of students at risk. The vaccination programme was launched in July, specifically targeting school Year 13 leavers and students under the age of 25 who are entering university or residential further education this autumn.
Dr Fiona Neely, a consultant in health protection, highlighted the unpredictable and severe nature of the disease, pointing to recent outbreaks in the UK that resulted in three deaths. She said: "The latest data shows coverage across our region is ahead of the national average, but with almost seven in 10 eligible young people still not vaccinated, there is a lot more to do."
First-year university students are identified as being at a significantly higher risk of developing meningococcal disease, with research suggesting they are seven times more likely to contract the illness than their non-student peers. This vulnerability is often compounded by living in close-quarters residential accommodation.
The MenB vaccine requires a course of two doses, administered at least 28 days apart, to provide full protection. Eligible students in Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to act promptly. Appointments can be booked through the NHS vaccination service or by visiting participating community pharmacies.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original