New meningitis vaccine to be given to students and children

Following a rise in potentially life-threatening meningococcal group W cases, Wales’ chief medical officer Dr Ruth Hussey is urging young people to get a new vaccine on offer.

 

Available from today, this new shot replaces the meningitis C vaccine, also offering protection from A and Y strains.

 

Dr Hussey says children aged 13 to 18 are eligible as secondary school-aged children are at increased risk of contracting the disease. Children who have already had the MenC vaccine should get this new vaccination.

 

And it’s not just children and teens at risk. All students under 25 attending university are being urged to get the vaccine from the GP before the new term starts. First-year students are especially susceptible to meningococcal disease as they will be mixing with a lot of new people.

 

People born between 1 September, 1996, and 31 August, 1997, can get it from their GP, while younger people will have it at their surgery or in school in the next two years.

 

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “This vaccine will save lives and prevent permanent disability. Meningitis can be deadly and survivors are often left with severe disabilities as a result of this terrible disease.”

 

 

While anyone can get meningitis, babies and young children are most vulnerable. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Signs and symptoms in babies include:

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in both children and adults include:

If a rash is present, press a glass against it. If the rash does not fade under the pressure of the glass there is a high chance of meningococcal septicaemia. In this case you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

 

If you have any suspicions, seek medical help should any of the symptoms of meningitis appear.