Overview
- The targeted MenB vaccination programme began on 20 July and has delivered 246,089 doses to young people as of 31 August.
- Free two-dose protection is offered to three defined groups: those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, people born on or after 21 July 2001 starting university for the first time this autumn, and those born on or after 21 July 2001 starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time.
- NHS officials stress that two doses are required for full protection and must be spaced at least 28 days apart, and they are pressing eligible young people to book second doses before term begins.
- Thousands of community pharmacies have delivered many of the first doses and appointments can be booked through participating pharmacies or the NHS National Booking Service.
- The NHS cites a study that found first-year university students have about a sevenfold higher risk of MenB than non-student peers and warns the infection can cause meningitis or sepsis with life-changing or fatal outcomes, so completing the course could reduce cases and hospital admissions this term.