Meningitis warning as Sheffield University urges city students to get jab
Experts concerns over low take up of jab nationally
The University of Sheffield is urging students to get vaccinated against meningitis, as national figures reveal a low uptake of jabs and warnings that deadly outbreaks could occur.
There are no reported cases of meningitis at Sheffield University and officials there say the overall risk to students remains very low - but jabs were made available after an outbreak in Kent in March which has been described as the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK, and experts say other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been bigger than expected.
A one-off vaccination programme was launched earlier this year after outbreaks left three young people dead, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that “similar outbreaks could occur again” as it urged young people to have the jab.
Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university this autumn are being offered the menB vaccine through pharmacies, but figures show that just 26.6per cent of Year 13 pupils nationally had taken up the offer by September 20.
The University of Sheffield has confirmed it is continuing to encourage all students to get their free NHS Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine.
The university has been actively communicating with students, both over the summer and now they have arrived on campus, to remind them of the key symptoms to look out for and information on how to protect themselves and their new classmates.
It is sharing information via email, social media, digital screens across campus and its website to encourage students to book their first dose of the vaccine before the NHS deadline on 31 December.
Dr Luke Green, Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Health, said: "The best way to protect yourself and others from this illness is to get vaccinated through the NHS and to remain vigilant for the signs of meningitis in yourself, your friends, and your classmates."
Experts say university students in particular are at increased risk of getting the disease that causes meningitis due to “social mixing patterns”.
Previous work has found the risk for students in their first year of university is around seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not go to university.
The UKHSA said eligible people should have two doses of the jab as soon as possible, which can be booked on the NHS website.
Dr Sharif Ismail, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: “We know how devastating meningitis B can be.
“The outbreaks in England this year tragically caused three deaths and left some who survived now facing lifelong health consequences.
“There is a particular risk for students in their first year of university.
“Our recent genomics study also highlights how suddenly and unpredictably dangerous new strains of meningitis B can emerge, such as the one seen in the Kent outbreak. This means that similar outbreaks could occur again.
“The menB vaccine offer for students and young people is under way – it’s vital everyone eligible gets two doses of the vaccine to be protected. Don’t regret not getting vaccinated – book in for yours now.”
Cases tend to peak in October to November.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at the charity Meningitis Now, said: “We are really concerned that fewer than three in ten eligible young people have received even their first dose of the MenB vaccine.
“We know that those starting university face a heightened risk of meningitis, and we have already seen this year just how quickly and unpredictably the disease can strike.
“The tragic outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire have demonstrated that this is not a theoretical risk.”
“Don’t take a chance – book your vaccine today. It could save your life.”