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Low Uptake Sparks Urgent Meningitis B Jab Call
13 Aug
Summary
- Shropshire sees low uptake of crucial meningitis B vaccine.
- Vaccine offered to 17-25 year olds heading to college.
- Health boss urges young people to get protected against meningitis.
A critical health alert has been issued in Shropshire, urging young people to get vaccinated against meningitis B, as current uptake rates are concerningly low. The vaccine is specifically being offered to 17 and 18-year-olds in sixth form, alongside individuals under 25 who are commencing studies at residential colleges or universities this fall.
This campaign follows recent concerns about a significant outbreak of the infection in Kent. Vanessa Whatley, chief nursing officer for NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, stated that just over 700 people in the region have accepted the vaccination offer so far, acknowledging that it is still early in the rollout.
With freshers' weeks approaching in September, health leaders are keen to increase vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks of the serious and potentially life-threatening illness. They encourage anyone under 25 heading to further education to get vaccinated, emphasizing the ease of access, including through local pharmacies.
