MORE than 10,000 young people across the South East received their free MenB vaccination in the first week of the programme, the NHS has said.
Healthcare providers say it demonstrated strong demand for protection against the potentially life-threatening disease ahead of the new academic year.
The milestone comes after an exceptional start to the campaign, with more than 2,000 young people vaccinated within the first 48 hours of the programme being rolled out across the region.
The one-off NHS vaccination programme launched on Monday, July 20, and offers the vaccine to: people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008; people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn; and people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.
Eligible young people require two doses of the vaccine, given at least 28 days apart, for maximum protection.
More than 1,000 community pharmacies in the South East have signed up to deliver the programme, helping ensure eligible young people can access the vaccine close to where they live ahead of starting university or college.
MenB disease can develop rapidly and can be life-threatening. Young people starting university are at increased risk because the bacteria can spread through close and prolonged contact, including living and socialising in shared accommodation.
Inderjit Sanghera, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England South East, said: “We’re absolutely delighted by the response to the programme so far.
“Seeing more than 10,000 young people across the South East take up the offer of a free MenB vaccination in the first week shows just how seriously they are taking the threat of meningitis and the importance of protecting themselves before heading off to university or college.
“The fact that more than 2,000 young people came forward for vaccination within the first 48 hours alone demonstrates the strong desire among young people to get protected and the excellent work of our community pharmacy teams across the region.
“We know a small number of appointments needed to be rearranged during the first few days as pharmacies received vaccine deliveries, and we’re grateful for the patience shown by young people and their families.
“The important message is that there are ample appointments available and sufficient vaccine supply available to community pharmacies on order.
“If you’re eligible and haven’t yet booked, now is the perfect time to come forward. Don’t leave it until the last minute – getting your first dose now will help ensure you can receive both doses before starting university or college this autumn.”
The NHS is encouraging all eligible young people who have not yet booked to take advantage of the free offer and get protected before the start of the new academic year.
More details and booking are available via: nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services
