Young people in the UK have until 31 December to receive their first dose of the meningitis B vaccine, as officials warn that fewer than 30 per cent of those eligible have come forward for the protection.
The one-off, time-limited programme was launched in June following an outbreak of the disease in Kent and clusters of cases in Berkshire and Dorset that resulted in three deaths.
Low uptake among eligible students
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that as of 31 October, only 228,297 out of 809,957 eligible 18- and 19-year-olds had received their first vaccination. This equates to 28.2 per cent, leaving more than 580,000 young people in the age group who have not yet accessed the service.
While those who have started the course show a completion rate of around 70 per cent, health officials are concerned that the remaining eligible population remains vulnerable to the bacteria, which can cause serious, life-altering health consequences.
“While we can't be sure whether there will be more student outbreaks of meningitis as happened earlier this year in Kent, it is very worrying to me that uptake is so low,” Prof Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said.
“Worryingly only just over a quarter of 18- and 19-year-olds have had their first dose of the MenB vaccine and time is running out to get both doses and protect yourself from this devastating disease,” said Dr Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA.
Students must receive first vaccine dose by 31 December
The programme is open to all individuals born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as students under the age of 25 who started university or residential further education for the first time this autumn. Because the vaccine requires two doses spaced at least 28 days apart, the UKHSA has set the 31 December deadline for the first jab to ensure students have sufficient time to complete the course.
“The deadline for getting your first dose is 31 December, so please don’t leave it until the end of term or forget it amongst all the Christmas and other holiday festivities,” said Dr Ladhani.
While the first-dose offer ends at the close of this year, second doses will remain available until 31 March 2027. Students can book their appointments through the NHS website or by contacting participating local pharmacies.
First-year students face higher meningococcal disease risk
Data indicates that first-year university students face a risk of meningococcal disease approximately seven times higher than their peers who are not in higher education. Experts point to large social networks, parties, and living in shared residential accommodation as primary factors that facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
Dr Eliza Gil, a clinical lecturer at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said that the peak season for invasive MenB infection typically runs from December to March.
Calls for expanded health promotion
Industry leaders and health advocates are urging the government to increase awareness of the pharmacy-led service. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, suggested that universities play a more active role in promoting the vaccine to students living in residential settings. He has also advocated for the service to transition into an “annual campaign rather than an ad-hoc, standalone event.”
“The government must do much more to promote this vital service to help ensure as many as possible of those who are eligible benefit from protection against MenB,” said Gregg.