Urgent warning as hundreds of thousands fail to get meningitis jabs amid fears of more deadly outbreaks

Urgent warning as hundreds of thousands fail to get meningitis jabs amid fears of more deadly outbreaks An outbreak in Kent earlier this year was the largest and fastest-growing seen in the UK - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Health officials have warned that further deadly outbreaks could occur as figures show hundreds of thousands of young people offered the meningitis vaccine are yet to take up the immunisation. A one-off vaccination programme was introduced earlier this year after outbreaks tragically resulted in the deaths of three young people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged young people to get the jab, warning that "similar outbreaks could occur again". Year 13 pupils and individuals under 25 starting university this autumn can access the menB vaccine via high street pharmacies. Latest figures show that only 26.6% of Year 13 pupils had received the vaccine by September 20. This means just 212,549 out of 799,840 eligible young people have been vaccinated. While health officials noted that uptake is "gradually increasing", they expressed concern over the large numbers remaining unprotected. University students face a heightened risk of contracting the disease that causes meningitis because of "social mixing patterns". Earlier research revealed that first-year university students are roughly seven times more likely to get the disease compared to non-students of the same age. The UKHSA said eligible individuals should book two doses as soon as possible via 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." The two doses must be administered 28 days apart. The initiative launched on 20 July and will run until 31 March next year. NHS England’s director of vaccination, Caroline Temmink, said: "We want to reach more young people, which is why the offer of menB vaccination remains in place at high street pharmacies across the country, and we’re encouraging anyone who is eligible, particularly young people starting university for the first time, to come forward and get protected as soon as possible." Juliette Kenny, 18, died during the Kent outbreak, prompting her family to campaign for teenagers and young people to receive routine access to the menB jab. The Kent outbreak was the largest and fastest-growing seen in the UK, while subsequent smaller clusters in young people have been larger than anticipated. Risks are heightened by close, prolonged contact in halls of residence, shared housing and social events, with cases usually peaking between October and November. Data indicates the menB jab is highly effective, offering strong protection for at least five years after vaccination. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments